The March equinox signals the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. It marks that special moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator going from south to north. In 2012, this equinox comes early due to it being a leap year. It’ll fall tonight at 5:14 UTC, or 10:14 p.m. for those of us here on the west coast.

Spring, rebirth of our souls as we venture from the dar

kness of winter into the brightness of light

Today as we traveled over Donner Summit, on our way west ~ and from the very comfy vantage point of the back seat ~ I watched as we passed the thousands of beautiful tall majestic evergreen trees draped in their winter white fashion coats. The chill in the air, the wind blowing spits of snow to the ground, and the skies filled with dark gray clouds on the horizon....and then.......we crested the summit and started the slow descent down the mountain. The clouds gave way to clear blue skies and with it came the vividly bright shades of pink and orange, yellow and reds. The winter truly gave way as we landed in the colorful world of spring. Fl

owering plum trees, cherry orchards, forsythia and pears ~ all in beautiful bloom. I can't think of a better way to spend this day on the precipice of spring.

Because it doesn't officially start until later tonight I have plans to walk the first full day of spring on the American River Trail here in Sacramento tomorrow, taking in the bounty of this start of the new season, stop on the path and just .......breath.....breath...... .ahhhhhhh Spring.