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Take a chance to share what you like most about spring

What things do you look forward to with return of spring? Share your list with columnist

Date published: 3/27/2008

By Rob Hedelt

WITH the sun shining down on me yesterday, and temperatures closer to 70 than 40, it hit me that it's time for a spring thing.

As I ventured out for lunch, and enjoyed everything from the blooming trees to the warmth on my face, it occurred to me that folks probably look forward to a rainbow of different things with the return of warmer weather.

With that in mind, I'd like to know what readers look forward to the most with the return of spring.

Some might say gardening in the warming soil, while others might mention outdoor sports. What are you excited about?

For some folks, it might be the way warm weather opens up the great outdoors. That could could mean tossing a line into the Rappahannock, crabbing on the Potomac or simply taking in nature's beauty in anything from a blossoming tree to a field painted purple by wild flowers.

For others, it could be the start of softball or soccer season, working up a sweat planting vegetables or perennials, or feeling that it's warm enough to better enjoy a trip for frozen custard. Then again, it could mean pulling the cover off the grill to see how it has weathered the winter, or packing up a picnic basket to head off for a hike in a local park or up a trail in Shenandoah National Park.

Whatever your thoughts, collect them and get them to me via e-mail, U.S. mail or fax.

None will be taken by phone.

To have your reply published, you must include your full name and where you live (Spotsylvania County, Colonial Beach, etc.) as well as a daytime phone number where you can be reached if there are questions.

To get you in the "What does spring mean to me?" mode, I'll share the thing about spring and the warmer weather that follows that means the most to me.

Put simply, it involves the feeling of warm air blowing through my remaining hairs on the deck of any kind of boat.

YOUR SPRING THING? Share the things you look forward to with the return of spring and warmer weather. Send it to Rob by e-mail to rhedelt@freelancestar .com, fax to 540/373-8455 or mail to 616 Amelia St., Fred-ericksburg, Va. 22401. No responses will be taken by phone.

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Date published: 3/27/2008