There is never any shortage of work to be done around the house; regular maintenance and seasonal upkeep, the jobs are myriad and call out to be performed. My husband has never hesitated to respond to that call, and it keeps him busy.

We're waiting for new grass to sprout after he spread the lawn in the front with composted soil and sprinkled new grass seed over. He has been watering it faithfully, and never loses hope that what will eventually result will be a presentable green-grass lawn. Nature is actually working against his aspirations. The large pine tree on the front lawn sends up its roots close to the surface, disrupting his plans. The shade it casts over the lawn seals the compact. Last year he sowed shade-tolerant grass seed; it made little difference. But hope springs eternal, just like our expectations of spring renewal.

Yesterday he did some painting at the front of the house, completing the paint job he had begun, with an emphasis on dark green against the red brick, and the light shade of ivory on the woodwork. It complements the screen door we'd bought years ago which is that same dark green shade painted over the aluminum. It was hot and dry, but he painted in the late morning shade, which encouraged mosquitoes to satisfy their curiosity over the human flesh made so temptingly available to them.

The gardens are beginning to fill out; trees gradually leafing and perennials shooting through the spring-warmed soil. It looks so good! I can't get my fill of appreciating nature's bounty. And ahead of us is the rest of spring, then summer and early fall with its succession of flowering plants glorifying each season and exciting our aesthetic....