Signs of Spring

Just as I was having a "What in the world will I blog about today?" moment, subject matter dropped into my lap! Usually, I'd be grateful, but this news was more than a bit alarming. Yes, my friends, I can definitively announce that Spring is here! While that would normally be a joyous news, Spring does have some associated negatives. Pollen is a major one! Everything in our area is coated with a THICK layer of pollen. It is gross and will do doubt trigger sinus infections galore! I know it's bad because I don't usually suffer from allergy symptoms and even I'm popping Claritin like candy. Oh, and they're saying the pollen counts will be even higher this weekend. How that's possible, I just don't know!

Another negative that can be attributed to Spring...Insects! Bugs are starting to reappear. Yuck! It's sad when you're applying insect repellent in February. I had high hopes that our record-breaking frigid temps throughout December and January would result in fewer bugs. Wrong!

However, as annoying as allergies and bugs can be, I've saved the absolute WORST for last...My paranoia is at an all time high thanks to an email warning circulating through the neighborhood. Apparently, one of my nature-loving neighbors encountered my arch-nemesis this week. Well, at least one of them, a 5-foot long Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake!!! Oh joy!!! My neighbor even took a picture of it as proof for any doubters that might question his tale. Thankfully, this particular enemy was spotted on the far side of my community well away from my house. Of course, snakes do roam, and unfortunately, my nature-loving neighbor didn't feel compelled to go all Marie Antoinette on this creature. Dang it!

So, it's back to paved surfaces for me. Yet another Spring, Summer, and Fall without stepping foot in the grass. Crazy? Yes, but at least I now there's reason to be paranoid. They are indeed out to get me, and they're calling in the BIG guys for reinforcement!