SPRING IS… STILL SPRINGING

After that freak snowfall we had a few weeks ago, it seems the quality of the weather is rapidly on the upswing. A bit like soy products, which I’ve noticed are becoming more popular by the day (see: soynut butter, midnight snack extraordinaire).

I had a “moment” in the backyard this morning, when the sky was cerulean and the clouds were lounging about like sleepy Spring Break-ers. In the middle of the West End, I felt like I was in the country, far from the noise and pace of the big city.

I happened to notice how “mowed” the grass looked and how “swept” the brick path and how “freshly pruned” the rose garden. Those of you who attended the Writer’s Service Day this past weekend, bravo. Good work with that.

Taking a deep breath of crisp, fragrant air, and silently thanking the convection currents for bringing us this fine Spring weather, I climbed the steps to the back door. Lain, who apparently spent some Quality Time with a mysterious green plant this Saturday, was there to greet me. He was covered in poison ivy.

Thanks to the Wilderness First Aid course I took this past weekend (note: having a WFA certification should be a new requirement for all Wren’s Nest interns) I knew just what to do: I went straight to CVS for some hydrocortisone cream.

Not everything Spring-related is worth clicking your heels for. But at least this particular menace is treatable. Or so the merchandiser in lane 17 proclaims.

This is Star, appreciating the Spring:

I’ve recently been marveling at how beautiful the backyard at the Wren’s Nest is. The sprawling, tree-shaded lawn, winding pebbled path, the huge tree overlooking the storytelling garden, the wysteria terrace, the rustic amphitheater and engraved stone promenade–they all make me want to jump for joy. Wouldn’t you love to attend a concert here, or a wedding, or a block party, or perhaps a full day of music, storytelling, free t-shirts, food and fun?

Ladies and gentlemen, mark your calendars for June 9^th. I’m talking about Wren’s Nest Fest 2007. It’s going to be off the hook like the winter coat you never had the patience to hang up right. It promises to be more thrilling than a petting zoo, more educational than the Discovery Channel, more witty than an episode of Captain Kangaroo, and certainly the best weather we’ve had all Spring. Ha, if only I could say that with an ounce of confidence.

Stay tuned for the juicy details.