Signs of Spring

Which ones have you seen lately? 

My first harbingers of spring are usually the birds. On February 12, I saw and heard my first red-wing blackbirds. These songbirds are so apparent with their call (“come-for-tea”) and bright red wings. They usually arrive in a flock so it’s hard to miss them. 

The most important factor in noticing them is to be out in nature. Got a bird feeder? They’ll arrive there. Live near water? Blackbirds or other newly-arriving flocks can be found in a tree overlooking a stream, river, or lake. 

Call to them. Repeat their song and they’ll respond to you. I love doing this as I walk past a tree that they’re sitting in. I feel as though we’re friends. 

Another sign I noticed is magpies with twigs or grasses in their beaks. I don’t see where they’re landing and yet I know there will be squawking in a few months from babies demanding (in no...

Watch underlying health conditions resolve when you are the boss of sugar and caffeine. 

Make small changes for a big impact in your life. Abundant, pure energy offers so much, especially at ages 50 and over. Sixty million Americans have a sleep disorder which can lead to irritability, diabetes, and heart disease. 

Eat the food rainbow for its many benefits. Red fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and may lower the risk of heart disease. Blue and purple foods may boost brain power and lessen the risk of a type-2 diabetes diagnosis. 

Increase your consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables as an alternative to sugary foods. Reduce sugary foods in the diet and minimize the production of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Without the hormonal imbalance brought on by excessive sugar, the ease with which one can relax, sleep more easily, and remember more, is magnified.  

Do some...