It is pretty out and sunny and it stays light until 8:00 now (thanks to the switch to daylight savings time) which I am very surprised to find that I think is is a nice change. Well, I've always known that I enjoyed how very long it stays light in the evenings at this latitude, but I usually find the drizzle to be fresh and relaxing. But today it is sunny and I'm ready for spring to finally be here. So I've been sitting in the front room with the front door open, to let in the fresh air.

But it is COLD. I finally shut the front door so that my hands could warm up a bit. This has been a very cold spring. The weather blogs that I read have noted that we have not had a day over 60 deg F yet this April. "Seattle has never failed to reach 60 degrees in April. The record fewest are two set in 1954."* (I'm assuming that he means that April 1954 holds the record, having only two days at or above 60.)

And the flowers show it. My camellias are STILL in bloom, and I haven't seen a hint of my rhododendrons yet. There have been years where the rhodies have been spent by Mothers' Day. I'm still waiting to see if they *bloom* by Mothers' Day this year. Who knows when the lilacs will open up.

But it's nice to be able to enjoy the camellias in the sunshine for a while, and the light in the evening is pleasing. And it's warm enough that I can run out in my jacket and have put the coat into the closet (at least until the rain returns). So it will do, at least for now.


* http://www.komonews.com/weather/blogs/scott/120137964.html?blog=y