First Signs of Spring

February 22, 2026

For those of us who live in Virginia, the Winter of 2025-2026 has been a doozie! We had a snowstorm that shut schools down in December before Christmas and multiple snow and ice storms in January through February left the landscape an icy mess for over 3 weeks. Another snowfall is expected this afternoon, with a potential 2 inches of accumulation in the Richmond area.

I believe I speak for the majority of folks in the area. Enough is enough! It is time for the new season to arrive or at least the more typical late February hints of spring that draw everyone outside for glimpses of the sunshine and the hopeful pops of early spring flowers like snow drops and crocus.

This past week, I was fortunate to be able to walk in the sunshine multiple afternoons after work, wearing only a light jacket. Once or twice, it felt so good that I bared my shirt sleeves partway through my neighborhood circuit. Ah, I thought, there is hope! Spring is around the corner. A few neighbors had daffodils blooming by Friday!

Of course, we have almost a month until celestial spring begins with the equinox. Despite the delightful “false spring” we experienced this week, the season is starting to shift. The days are noticeably longer. The moist air is freshly scented by the early blooms and although the landscape remains bleak with dormant deciduous trees and grass, the sap is starting to rise. My tulip magnolia has growing buds, the flower bulbs have sent up their green shoots, and winter jasmine is blooming a street over.

Internally, I feel the shift of seasons as well. Two weeks ago, I went through a brief existential crisis about my pending retirement. Suddenly, I was worried about money, despite the reassurance last summer from two financial planners that I am in great shape, and all the spread sheets and projections I have compiled. I had an emergency call with one planner on the last day I could possibly change my mind. I also reached out to two close retired friends to absorb their experience, strength and hope.

One dear friend called me back with the message that she thinks my concern about money is masking the true fear I have of giving up the identity I have had for over 30 years as a teacher and a librarian. Instantly, I knew she was right. Her words and those of my financial planner were “have faith.” I have worked hard. I have saved. I have a pension for my loyal years of service. My task now is to let go of fear and embracing the changes that are coming.

Spring is truly just around the corner. I have so much to look forward to! It is time to reap the rewards of my labor and to prepare for the new growth to come. I have a volunteer position and part-time work for the county to fill some of my time. Finally, there will be flexibility for travel and time for spontaneous plans with friends and family. I might even finally finish my first book and start to look at publication opportunities. The bulbs I planted years ago are beginning to emerge. Yes! It is time.