Random Thoughts About Spring

If I were a bee, I would certainly be busy now, filling up on on all the pollen that surely must be flying through the air with our springtime wind.  The scent of wisteria last week and lilac this week calls to me as I sit by my opened office window.  I have to close the shutters in the afternoon; the glare from the sun is too bright.  I can see neither the computer screen nor the lines on the paper as I am writing out a translation of the History of Carcassonne.  (Have slogged up through the Bronze and Iron Ages and the Romans are on the scene now)

The downside is that I am suffering today, from allergies.  My woes are nothing compared to those who really do have allergies--I have simply sneezed nearly non-stop since getting out of bed today.  But the glory of all the blooms, the lilacs, the fields of rapeseed, the irises, the poppies--it's more than worth a few tissues.  I can't remember when I have enjoyed a spring so much, even with all the sneezing.

Here they come, courtesy of Ryanair

It brings with it---tourists, many from Great Britain.  Oh dear!  I have to put on my game face and try to be as hospitable as possible to the ones I encounter in the street  This past weekend, Easter weekend was also the close of school vacations, so the streets were particularly busy.  And Carcassonne and its surrounding hamlets took full advantage---jousting and fighting a la medieval knight up in la Cite all weekend, a book and art fair in Montolieu.  It's just not possible to do it all.

Tender green new growth

Pesto soon?

And spring also brings the urge to clean, to freshen and to put my house in order.  I spent the morning taking apart the inside of the fridge, tossing anything suspect, washing and "bleaching" the shelves.  It looks as if it were just newly delivered.  Because of my insistence on open windows, I have to deal with more dust than those who live in hermetically sealed homes, but it's worth it.  So what if I have to wash every dish I have sitting on the etagere once a week?   

Growing like a week

I didn't make it to the market this morning, but I didn't really need anything.  I did get a new pot and a new hanger for my basil plant and look forward to homemade pesto very soon. It's in bright sunshine now, but I hope it can withstand the wind.   My other plants are growing and can use some re-potting themselves.  I will go on the hunt for something special in which to place them.  

New vase sans lilacs

Makes it easier to see the details

So, yes, I am living my dream.  And that life encompasses four seasons, exciting things like getting to go out on the Mediterranean, finding a lovely vase, and yes, cleaning the refrigerator.  It is all very, very good.