Looking forward to spring

Today it’s officially the end of winter, and I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.

It’s already been lighter and sunnier and – it may be me imagining it, but – I swear I can see a bit more of a spring in people’s step. (Is that why they call the coming season spring?)

These are the things I’m looking forward to about this spring.

Watching the sunrise and sunset. My bedroom window faces right towards the point where the sun rises, and already I’m opening my curtains on a morning and seeing the sun well on its daily journey. Its sets me up for a more positive day. I’m driving home in the light and it makes me think of the possibilities left in my day in the remaining, precious few hours. During winter I find the dark and cold and wet compels me inside.

(I know, my windows desperately need cleaning!)

Wild flowers and daffodils. I love seeing green shoots and bright colours crop up where you are used to seeing them, and where you least expect it.

Being outside. So many of the things I love involve being outside that I’m just not one who really enjoys winter. I love camping, walking, cycling and just sitting and eating outside in the warmer months and I love that it encourages you to step away from the computer screen and read, talk and just stare into the sky. In spring, it may not be warm enough to spend hours outside but get a camp fire or fire pit going – try these at Buy Fencing Direct - and you can be there for hours.

New arrivals. My great friend Alex used to contribute to this blog regularly but she’s been rather quiet the last few months. This is largely because she’s been busy growing a son, who is due to enter the world at the end of March. Her story of being there when her sister gave birth to her nephew was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever read. Also, a little further on, in June, I will be becoming an auntie! My brother and his wife are expecting their first. I’m so excited to meet both of these new little people.

(This photo is of Emily‘s gorgeous son Jesse, and was taken by Silvery Moon Photography)

New kitchen. Maybe not as important as bringing new life into the world but I’m going to be pretty stoked once we have a new kitchen. (Want to see how bad it looks now?!) 2014 is the year we destroy and rebuild the downstairs of our house. Having renovated two houses before, I know it makes a huge difference to my contentment levels when the kitchen is brand, spanking new. Not that I’m particularly into cooking, but hell I’m looking forward to having a dishwasher. There’s something about the room that does seem to make it the heart of the house, no matter what. I guess they call it ‘comfort food’ for a reason. I’m looking forward to being able to do my fair share of having friends round for dinner.

Did you see what I love about summer?

What’s your favourite season?

*this post has been written in collaboration with Buy Fencing Direct, but all content and opinions are my own and honest