This month we wanted to talk about all things Spring……
I’m a big believer in spring cleaning. I clean out my closet and box up all my winter clothing, save for a few sweatshirts or sweaters (I live in rain country). Then I get busy with the house and give it a thorough cleaning–inside and out.
Julia Templeton
Well, really, my spring ritual is all about the clothes!
Spring is my absolute favorite season. As soon as the weather starts to turn warm, I start cleaning up my front and back yards. At the same time, I begin touring the grounds, looking at the hostas, black eyed susans, daffodils, annual phlox, day lilies, and woodruff coming up through the the cold earth. We drive down to D. C. or to Kenwood, Maryland, to see the cherry blossoms. And then comes the best part–the dogwoods and the azaleas. I have lots of 
gorgeous azaleas in my yard. But the most awesome display in this area is at Brigton Dam which is planted with acres of beautiful pink, fuchsia, apricot and white flowering azaleas, many so tall that they tower over you. Some come out early. Others bloom later. So we always make at least two trips out there in the spring to walk along the paths and marvel at the natural beauty. And we love introducing friends to this wonderland.Cleo Coyle’s Spring Ritual:
“Please God, let it fit!”
I live in New York City, which means four seasons of clothing items and zero space to hang the suckers. Spring for me always means (1) digging out those clothes that I tightly folded away last fall and packed in boxes or suitcases (don’t ask what happens when I have to travel and actually use those suitcases!); and (2) doing the big switcheroo. "What’s the switcheroo?" you ask. I free the summer clothes and pack away the winter stuff.
At the moment in NYC, warm weather’s just a tease (that slut!). We’re getting occasionally sunny days but the temps are still cool. And yet…I know those warm days are coming, so I need to get out the shorts and t-shirts I wore last year—you know, those months BEFORE Thanksgiving pie and Christmas cookies, Valentine chocolates and Easter jelly beans. UGH!
So what’s my spring ritual AFTER I clean out my closets and do the switcheroo between the winter and summer clothes: you guessed it, work outs, work outs, work outs! In the meantime, it’s back to Old Navy for that larger size pair of jean shorts. Arrrrrrgh!
What’s my spring ritual? Spring cleaning, of course! Odd as it sounds, I get really excited about stuffing away the winter clothing and opening up the house. Airing out and cleaning up. Getting the yard in order. It just feels fresh and good. I love getting outside, starting my gardens. I grow herbs, vegetables, and of course, flowers. My father made me a porch swing, and I spend every evening outside, sipping tea (or wine!), and enjoying the breeze.
Another spring ritual—dieting. As summer looms, it’s hard not to start worrying about how you’ll look in shorts and tank tops and I always fall victim to self-consciousness. Of course, my diets never last more than a day or two (and usually result in weight gain lol), but I try.
Alyssa Brooks
So what are some of YOUR spring rituals, traditions or memories? Share!
Well, it’s a surprise to find out how different I am from everybody else. For me, spring is all about getting outside after the long winter. And before the summer gets so hot that I can only garden in the morning. Yesterday I spent two hours working on my dry creek–cleaning out pine needles and other crud and changing the shape slightly. Which meant lugging around a lot of large rocks. Good thing I did it in the early afternoon, because it’s been raining hard ever since.
I’m pretty self-indulgant. I’ve added to my house several times, and one thing I did was build a closet big enough to hold most of my summer and winter clothes. So I just have to move stuff around a little.
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — April 15, 2007 @ 3:16 pm
For me Spring means that it’s time to get the garden in shape. It’s been so cold here that I haven’t done any gardening yet this spring.
Comment by Maureen — April 16, 2007 @ 1:41 pm
I do Spring Cleaning, but I have to admit Cleo’s “Pleas God, Let it fit!” is also a consistent one.
Comment by Sasha — April 16, 2007 @ 2:29 pm
Well, I’ve decided to lose a bunch of weight. If I could lose thirty pounds, I’d be really happy. I’ve lost fifteen, so I’m wearing clothing that I haven’t worn in years.
How? Low-carb works for me. Low-carb plus eating small portions. So I’m not looking forward to seeing a bunch of food at RT.
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — April 16, 2007 @ 2:58 pm
Great News, Rebecca!!. The weight loss, not the not being able to chow down at the conference.
I tried to control my weight with just food, but it didn’t work, so I’m back in the gym. For whatever reason, when I work out, eating healthy becomes easier. I still have 60 pounds to lose, but I feel better, and I’m sticking to it.
Comment by Sasha — April 16, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Sasha, I’ve been going to the gym twice a week for the past 20 years. I do it with a friend, which gets us both there. I’ve tried to increase my exercise to four times a week. I have a tredmill and a recumbant bike at home–as well as free weights. So I can do the other two sessions here. The increased exercise also makes me feel good. Saturday I did heavy gardening, so I count that as “exercise.”
Rebecca
Comment by Rebecca York — April 16, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
Spring cleaning and gardening.
Comment by Amy S. — April 16, 2007 @ 5:25 pm
Cleaning yes, but definitely gardening. There’s something so theraputic about being out there digging in the dirt and trimming trees (I’m hell with hedge clippers
) and stuff
Comment by amie stuart — April 16, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
I have gotten into working out as well as watching what I eat. Got to get the body ready for swimsuit season. Also, I love cleaning out my closets this time of year.
Comment by Cherie J — April 16, 2007 @ 5:54 pm
Usually spring means enjoying nice beautiful weather and changing out the winter clothes for the spring/summer ones. Flip flop weather here I come. However, this year the weather has been just plan strange. It snowed a week ago and now the wind is knocking out power and bringing down trees all over town. So, here’s hoping for some pretty weather . . . one day soon!
Comment by Stephanie S. — April 16, 2007 @ 7:12 pm
I need a spriing cleaning ritual,but my life is always chaos and I wait for the day when the kids go off to college and I can organize things a little bit better. I might try the new “healthy” diet pill thats out,so I can fit my bathing suits better…it was good to hear everyone’s elses rituals.*g*
Hugs, Danette
Comment by danette — April 16, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
My Spring ritual has to do with mating. After a long winter here in Canada, I now have the urge to date…a man. LOL
I don’t clean…spring or otherwise.
Comment by Vivi Anna — April 16, 2007 @ 8:23 pm
Ahhh, springtime en route and I must admit that I have no rituals or habits associated with it.
My wife, however, probably does. I’ll let her know about the post and let her add her two cents.
~Him
Comment by Blissfully Wed — April 16, 2007 @ 9:55 pm
The Mating Call of Vixen Vivi Anna!!!
Comment by Sasha — April 16, 2007 @ 10:37 pm
We cleaned out the garage…seems like stuff just piles up in there all on it’s own!
Comment by Liz Weiss — April 16, 2007 @ 11:02 pm