This weekend, of glorious 70-degree days, has been one of bidding farewell to winter. Which is not to say winter is gone, but it is certainly on its way out. I expect it will linger a few weeks longer, but it is beginning to pack its things, preparing to take leave. And we have been only too happy to help.

I've taken down the winter decorations - removed my wooden snowmen from the shelf, replaced the evergreen wreath with one of purple flowers. We moved the clocks forward. Slid open the windows with a sigh of satisfaction. Ate lunch on the deck. Trimmed dried flower stalks and dead leaves to make room for new growth, for the buds below the surface that are waiting for the right time to emerge. Just like the new life in my cousin's belly, the precious growing we celebrated yesterday at her baby shower. Signs of spring are everywhere.

Right now through the open window I hear a bird chirping and feel a tiny breeze swirl around my legs. We're preparing to go on a walk, without coats. We're preparing to part ways with winter. We're ready for spring.