Seasonal Truths (North American edition)

That spring is on its way—is, in fact, already here in DC—that I do not deny.

In spite of the fact that it’s been something of a winter-in-quotation-marks for those of us in the semi-eastern U.S., there’s still been a distinct shift in the past week from a winter with some unseasonable blooms to a full-out sprouting, with green shoots pushing their way out of the dirt and trees casting their petaled genitalia (and their pollen, aaagh) up into the warm air that now smells like rich verdant earth and sweet flowers. Insects are swarming, birds are chirping liquid songs of love and territorial protectiveness, and sap is rising.

All of this is true, and natural (global warming aside), and good.

But no amount of fragrant spring breezes or waving branches laden with blossoms can alter another essential truth:

Just because you turn your clock forward, you are not saving any daylight. All you’ve done is agree to go to work an hour earlier every morning.

I hope that as you contemplate the ever-new beauty of returning spring you will keep that fundamental fact in mind.

{A note: I do write all text and take all pictures. Please do not reproduce either without my permission.}