About this time, things around the house are usually looking a bit dull, and we are getting restless.  It is time to count our lucky stars and designate our home as the place we most love to be! A flurry of cleaning is just what the doctor ordered to lighten and brighten our homes and our spirits. We need to give in to Spring fever with gusto and let those creative juices flow!   Scoop out the fireplace and arrange some good-looking candles or something leafy green in the hearth. Replace your winter comforter with something light and airy.  Step back and divine a fresh look for your most frequented rooms. Shuffle your décor around a bit and add a textile with refreshing spring color (a runner , a throw or a couple of pillow cases?); it is amazing how much the eye loves even the smallest changes.  Ain't it great!

Any excuse to be outside will do!  Take your spring cleaning out to the porch to give your walls and screens a good going over. Consider what can be affordably upgraded; fix, plump and get ready for company!  "Plant, plant, plant" is what this wonderful season yells at us, but we need to remember to plan our gardens with this draught in mind.  Mulch really well this year, and set in a few small groupings of annuals that can easily be watered by hand.  We need only enough to add a few splashes of color as we await the glory of our native plants and wildflowers.

While the weather is still cool, have a few friends over to enjoy your freshened environs.  Serve wine and spiced tea with a fresh leek soup, green salad, garlic bread and a spicy turkey/vegetable lasagna. Have decaf and  warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla to top off the evening. Enjoy the great blessing of being at home!