Spring has sprung. And not a minute too soon.

The first year I lived in Los Angeles, it highest annual rainfall in 121 years, falling less than 1/4 inch short of the all time record.

The year I lived in Córdoba, it had record breaking rainfall and low temperatures (granted, the record only went back to 1973). It hadn't snowed in the city in decades. When I was there, it snowed twice.

I was just in time again. This winter in Berlin had been the coldest, darkest, and longest in 130 years.

So. Awesome.

So, when "Spring" finally came around last week (and by Spring I mean by northern European standards, meaning you're still not leaving the house without several layers and an umbrella) I was thoroughly excited. In fact, I think I was more excited than my German counterparts (which I guess stands to reason given my 'Zona roots); I didn't notice anyone else wearing a skirt without tights or ankle-length pants and flats last week as I was proudly hacking. Okay, admittedly it was a little nippy. But it was marvelous. And although I pay an embarrassingly large sum for my gym membership, I've shunned it for the opportunity to finally - comfortably - run outside and enjoy the parks.

And the parks! Oh the parks. Finally, little pieces of young supple green leaves are emerging, and I never thought that something so small could excite me so much.  In fact, I was so excited when I saw the first leafy greens sprout from a shrub, I actually shrieked loud enough to startle Bosse.

In Phoenix, our 4 seasons were really 3: hot, hotter, and hotter-than-hell. So what on earth did we have to be excited for except a relief in temperatures, not the rise. So finally, after nearly 30 years, I understand what spring is all about. Renewal! Rebirth! Rejuvenation! Revival! I get it! I get what all the fuss is about.  I now bask in the warm emerald glow of the sunlit trees lining the streets, revel in the delicate pink blossoms that sprinkle other branches, and sigh deeply at the sight of the daffodils springing from soft grass in the park.  Spring is truly wunderbar.

I can't believe I have missed out on the joy of Spring's arrival for so many years.  And in a way, it almost makes the hostility of winter worth it.

Almost.