Like many of you, I started working in my yard this past week when the weather was nice for a few days. Turning over flower beds and discarding the detritus from last fall rejuvenated my soul after this long winter. Of course two days later it snowed and the temperatures dropped 30 degrees, but that is to be expected in an Iowa spring.

Seeing the rotted leaves removed and finding the beginnings of tulips and daffodils underneath brings awe and hope to me, even though I have participated in this ritual for over 50 years. I understand the science behind bulbs. Realizing that those bulbs have survived the harsh winter and are eager to push their way up out of the ground, is a true miracle to me. Most of the bulbs in our yard were planted long before we moved here 10 years ago, yet still they come up every year as brilliant as ever.

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