Most of us are still in the throes of winter: here in southeast Alaska, we just got 24+ inches of snow, followed by what looks like a week of hard rain. Spirits are dropping; most of us have taken down the winter lights we put up at Christmas, so it's darker than we like.

Time for a burst of spring! The light IS returning-- and spring will come again. In the meantime, bring home some true spring flowers to help you feel better. All the bulbs are coming in now; they're greenhouse grown, so cost a little more than the field varieties available later, but worth every penny because they help us remember that winter isn't forever. Look for Tulips, Iris, Narcissus, and Hyacinthes at your florists'. Hyacinthes and Narcissus smell wonderful, Tulips come in lots of fun colors, and Iris usually have a second bud behind the first one. The branches are coming in as well-- Forsythia, Plum, Apple, Almond, and pretty soon, Cherry.

Whatever bloom strikes your fancy, bring it home. Even one stem will help you feel better. And when we all feel better, the world is a more beautiful place. If you're feeling really flush, get a few flowers for a friend or loved one, and share the joy. Keep blooming, everybody!