Spring Hodgepodge

It's officially Spring, and I have big-time Spring Fever. There is a jumble of seasonal thoughts in my head that looks something like this...

Windows Wide

Sweetness Inside

Summer Clothes

Pedicured Toes

Green Fairways

Sun's Golden Rays

Spring Cleaning

Domestic Preening

Flower Shopping

Colors Popping

Stuffy Heads

Allergy Meds

Patio Dreams

Gathering Themes

Cocktails Outside

Snacks Supplied

Morning Dew

Tee Time for Two

Spring Me!

Dear Mother Nature,

Please release me from the confines of woolens and polar fleece. Eliminate my need to huddle under blankets pulled up to my chin. Redirect the cruel winds that blow from the north. Temper the cold that leaves the landscape covered with frost in the morning. Give my heating system a break.

I appreciate the beauty of Winter, and the comfort of a roaring fireplace. The mountains covered in snow are a sight to behold. The desert needed the moisture. I am grateful for the home that shelters us from the cold. But I am anxious to come out of hibernation.

I yearn to open the windows and enjoy the fresh air. Sundresses and sandals are the garb of my daydreams. Bedding must be changed from comforters to light cotton blankets. My skin needs a kiss of sun. It's time to prepare patios for friendly gatherings. Flowers want to bloom. Stop being so cruel.

Never mind the date on the calendar. Spring me!

Prescription: A Little More Spring

My friend Tom Wingham's untimely death at 42 hit me pretty hard last week.  I found that I had trouble sleeping, thinking about Tom and his family.  Also, I began to stress about unknown medical issues that can sneak up and do us in without warning.  How can vibrant, seemingly healthy people so suddenly be stricken down?  Next thing you know, you're anxiously looking in the mirror wondering if you are next.  You start thinking about taking evasive action.

So after a few years of resistance, I decided to heed my doctor's request to take medication for blood pressure.  The tipping point was when, on Monday, I checked it at home and found it to be alarmingly high.  I placed a page to Dr.Chien after hours to call in a prescription, which he did. I had scared the beejeezus out of myself and my husband.

Two days later (yesterday), my blood pressure is well within a normal range, and I am sleeping better.  I visited Dr. Chien who assured me we did the right thing and he is not overly concerned, because my other vitals and blood work are good. 

I credit Tom with sending me a message to delay no longer on treating my blood pressure.  Thanks Tom.  I'll keep tabs on it now.

We're back in Chicago until May 4th, when we depart on our big trip to England.  Until then, I will follow my prescriptions.  That includes the official one to regulate my blood pressure, as well as the unofficial one - to enjoy a little more Spring.

C'mon Chicago Spring!

Snow, you can go

I’m done with you this year

Gray, you can’t stay

The skies will soon be clear

Wind, ditch the chill
You don’t need to howl and moan
Rain, you’re to blame

For my melancholy groan

Friends, share the cheer
There’s better weather out there
Spring, do your thing

I know you’re hiding somewhere

Sun, bring the fun
We need your warming grace

Heat, set the beat

Let’s dance to a livelier pace!

Spring in the City

Spring creeps tentatively into Chicago after a long winter. Even with the few days we’ve had in the 70’s and 80’s, it’s hard to trust that the good weather is here to stay. Years ago, it snowed once during the first week in May. Not fair! But people who live here learn to grab the gift of a beautiful day and enjoy it to the fullest. On the first sunny 45-degree day, the shorts and flip-flops come out. By the time it gets to 60, the beaches of Lake Michigan are filled with people enjoying the sun.

Some signs of spring are the same as in the suburbs. They are merely surrounded by a different setting. Daffodils are blooming, trees are budding out, and colorful flower pots are appearing on doorsteps and porches. Windows are being thrown open. The smell of outdoor grilling has begun to waft through the air.

There are other things about spring in Chicago that have a more unique flavor to the city. Storefronts and sidewalks are being freshened up with soap and/or new paint. There are so many more people on the city streets just enjoying being outside. The doors into many businesses are propped open to let in the fresh air. Window-washing is underway at high rise buildings. Snow plows have made way for street sweepers. Baseball season has brought out all the Cubs wear, especially in this neighborhood. Sidewalk cafes are opening, as well as the trendy rooftop lounges. Soon, on warm evenings, we’ll hear talk and laughter from the back porches of our building.

Ron grilled on the porch last night for the first time this season, making a delicious Mexican-flavored skirt steak. We’ve turned off the heat and have been able to sleep with the windows open for the last week. It may even be time to put away winter clothing and bring out some spring things. I can’t wait for an opportunity to eat pizza on the sidewalk at Pizza Rustica (pictured right), with the el train clattering by almost overhead. And I may have to go shopping for a bright new frock to debut at the latest, most trendy rooftop lounge.

There’s something about spring in Chicago that feels SO DARN GOOD! I think we enjoy it more here, after struggling through the long, cold, gray winter.  Time to dig out my shorts and flip-flops.