One of my favorite places in town is at the corner or Main and Pine streets in the spring. We call it "Helen's Magnificent Magnolia" and it never fails to signal the arrival of the new season. It may have been a few weeks later than usual, but here it is as glorious as ever. I can almost feel Helen smiling down at this time of year.
My favorite bright yellow tulips are always first to blossom in my yard, but the most sure sign of Spring is spotting lazy horses sunbathing on the warm sand after filling their bellies with lush green grass. After the long, cold, snowy winter, they are beyond thrilled with the warmth and sunshine making their world a better place. Of course the dogs and cats have to get in on the lounging act too. (And who am I trying to fool? I get in on it occasionally too!)
This past weekend was spent in Tennessee at the SIRA Rowing Championships watching the many teams including our son's Florida Tech team compete. It really is thrilling to watch these young adults pour everything they have, both technically and athletically, into a 2000 meter race. We are really proud of the hard work and dedication our son shows in this endeavor. 
If you look closely at the shell, you will notice that it sits not much more than four to six inches above the water. Every movement the rower makes is magnified at the end of his ten foot oar, so the synchronization has to be exact, and all motions smooth and fluid. The slightest variance can result in the entire shell coming to a complete STOP mid race. We have so much respect for what these athletes accomplish just by crossing the finish line! 
