Spring does not mean as much when one lives in a warmer climate. Here, the trees are always green, flowers of one kind or another bloom and it is not the release of again being outside in the sunshine after a long period of living indoors. Spring particularly does not mean a lot to me at this time of year as we are in our autumn, but again we don’t have the falling leaves that those in a colder climate do.
Spring remains, even in the warmer climates a time when new life is born. In New Zealand lambs are born and sheep are shorn in readiness for the warmer weather. On our farm calves were born along with foals. You could also hear it was spring as the mating call of the koalas, a loud grunting pig-like sound high in the tree, only occurs at this time with the territorial males letting the females know of their whereabouts. Spring can sometimes be simulated by putting tulip bulbs in the fridge and bringing them out in time to bloom when expected. I say sometimes as the tulips you see in the slideshow are the only ones that I ever had success with.
Spring in Europe is a fantastic time. For the Europeans they are probably celebrating the end of a long winter. For me I am enjoying Europe without tourists, revelling in the empty camping grounds and streets with no tourist buses.
Yes Spring is a wonderful time of the year.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_photo_challenge/spring-2/
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
You’re in EUROPE ??? I hate you, Irene. [sob !] I am totally consumed by jealous rage. WHERE ARE YOU ? And also, did you shear that lamb ? 😉
LikeLike
No need to be jealous M-R, I am here in sunny Qld which is around the 13 degree temp tonight and Europe was many moons ago but we always go fairly early in Spring for this reason. And no I didn’t shear the sheep, the hulk with the muscles behind did that. Cheers Irene
LikeLike
They told me it was 11 on Friday night, here – but if it was, it didn’t pierce the thick walls of this refurbished building …
LikeLike
Lucky you. I’m feeling it here but looking at the pictures some FB friends are putting on of the snow in the Barringtons and sleet in Copeland and Barrington I am glad we made the move. I remember how cold it got in Gloucester with the wind off the snow. Brrrrrrr…….
LikeLike
Never experienced that … I kinda would’ve liked to, in a contrary sort of way. 🙂
LikeLike
Believe me, be glad you haven’t. 🙂
LikeLike
Your post reminded me of our years living in southern California, where the differences between seasons is also not great. There were always hints of spring, though. More animal activity and certain flowers that bloomed. The University of California Irvine was blessed with plants brought in from around the world, thanks to the Chancellor at that time, so there were unusual things to look for.
LikeLike
I think Southern California is probably very similar to where I am and we have a quite a few plants that originate from there and also South Africa. It sounds as though your campus would have been a nice place to sit and reflect.
LikeLike
Irene, we’re rejoicing in spring here near Chicago. The winter was long and hard, but the weather’s finally taking what I hope is the final turn into spring and not before time!
janet
LikeLike
Spring in your case Janet would be fantastic. I stayed with some Swedes when I was in Sweden in Spring and they had all sorts of celebratory activities. I could understand why as I thought it was cold enough outside as it was. Hope you have a lovely Summer.
LikeLike
Your pictures of the lambs and the foal reminded me of growing up on our farm in New England. What a wonderful harbinger of spring.
LikeLike
The baby animals always let you know that spring has sprung.
LikeLike
I loved your photos Irene and also your take on Spring, which is very different, you are right, to us here in Britain and Europe, but of course I missed it terribly when I lived in California. I think.when you grow up with spring and the seasons, when you don’t really have it it feels as if something is missing. I have to keep reminding myself that you are in Autumn now! Hope you had a good weekend my friend 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Sherri. You are right – when you are used to it you definitely miss it. I grew up without it and then experienced it and then lost it again. Yes a good weekend was had. It was my Mum’s 86th birthday so celebrations at a trivia night. She’s still got all her marbles. Looking forward to a walk. Cheers Irene
LikeLike
Ahh yes, it’s always the case isn’t it of having something and then losing it…I know that feel 😉
A very happy belated birthday to your dear mum! How wonderful to know that she is still so ‘on the ball’ too. Must have been a great weekend. Ready to walk when you are… 🙂
LikeLike
Just about to set out. It is harder getting moving in the mornings as it is now for us a little chilly and bed seems good.
LikeLike