Wait, how did that happen?  While we were all sleeping last night, it turned into spring.  It actually snuck up on me and completely surprised me — I had it in the back of my head that spring would be starting sometime this week (I had the vague notion that by the time my sister arrived here on Sunday it would be here) but I didn’t realize that today was the day until it had already happened.  It’s wonderful and welcome news, and it means we survived our first Austrian winter without too much trouble.

These past few days, as it began to look as though spring had arrived, I wouldn’t trust it (partly because I wasn’t paying attention and didn’t realize how close to spring we actually were and partly because I didn’t want to get my hopes up).  Now I feel like I can relax a bit and revel in the sunshine, warmer temperatures and flowers just beginning to bud.  It also means I can admit, finally, that I really am glad to see winter behind us.

I didn’t mind the cold or the wind, but the darkness got old shortly after Christmas.  Christmas, with all of its light and celebration, makes the darkness pretty pleasant, but during January and February, it’s just dark — it’s dark all the time and it’s been dark for a long time.  I’m ready for some light.  I’m also ready to leave for school in the morning, or head out to play in the park, without having to pack a bag full of woolen accessories and dress the kids in 3 layers of outerwear.

We will switch to Daylight Saving Time this weekend, and that’s going to increase my perception of light, too.  Although I understand that it’s a little silly to change the clock by an hour and declare the days “longer”, I’m completely in favor of anything that lets my kids sleep in later in the morning and gives us daylight to enjoy in the evening.  Really, there’s no downside.  Happy spring!