Today: The first signs of spring.

[tweetmeme source=”elizabethev” only_single=false]On our first walk of the day (which was delayed due to the fact that dogs don’t understand daylight savings time any better than humans), Clark and I spotted the first crocuses to bloom in our neighborhood.  With temperatures landing just shy of 70 this past week, I knew we were bound to see flowers soon.

Any day now the daffodils will be up, too– just in time for our neighborhood to be invaded by parade-goers.

That little burst of color inspired me to get some early spring cleaning done, beginning with the fridge, followed by various handbags, my car, and who knows what else I might get into today.  After emptying and cleaning the refrigerator, it was clear I needed to hit the market.  One cannot live on wine, apple juice and yogurt alone.  One needs chocolate.  And greens.

Insider tip: the florist at the Stop & Shop at the South Bay Center (where I can always count on nearly getting hit by a car, nearly hitting someone else with my car, or watching my car get by a shopping cart) is a great source for simple, elegant and inexpensive arrangements.  There is always a small section (look past the carnations, baby’s breath and dyed mums) of bouquets dressed with interesting greens, perfect for dropping directly into a vase.

After putting away the groceries, I thought about learning how to clean the oven, but I decided to bake something in it instead.

The best part is the top o’ the muffin.  Obviously.

I’m cracking this baby open before tackling my next spring cleaning projects.  I probably shouldn’t admit this, but even after living in our condo for three years, there are things I am not really sure how to clean.  Like the inside of the washing machine.  Or those air conditioning vent things.

By the time spring actually arrives, I’ll be ahead of the game.  For once.

Also On Tap for Today:

• Love these cute St. Patrick’s Day printables
• Celebrating early?  Here is some great green grub to consider.
• Winding down the weekend with yoga 🙂

What’s your favorite spring project?