“The year’s at the spring,
And day’s at the morn;
Morning’s at seven;
The hill-side’s dew-pearled;
The lark’s on the wing;
The snail’s on the thorn;
God’s in his Heaven –
All’s right with the world!”
~ Robert Browning, The Year’s at the Spring

“The sparrow is in the nest;
There’s little time to rest.
Grows long, the evening’s light;
Springtime in the foothills –
All becomes right!”
~ Sue Kilpatrick (taking poetic license)

Robert Browning had it right. Springtime, of all seasons, is the one closest to perfection. Some days are still cold while others are downright hot. Neither are extreme or long lasting and the nights are mild. Often, within a single day, it’s a bit too hot in the sun and a bit too cool in the shade. As time moves further into spring, the likelihood for a “spring shower” diminishes. Winter is gradually fading from the picture as summer draws closer. If only spring-like weather could see us through summer. To this, my grandma would say, “If wishes were horses, beggars would ride…”

Those longtime readers may recall that I live for summer nights. The day cools into the lengthened twilight hours and beyond through the clear starlit night. What’s all the excitement about? Well, it’s more-well founded than one may imagine and it all begins during the spring months. Plants and animals (including humans) respond to the duration of day and night hours or, more simply put, light and dark periods – photoperiodism is the scientific term.

A great awakening is well under way in the natural world as increasing hours* of light (not warmer temperatures) trigger reproduction, plant growth and flowering. One only needs to step outside and the energy envelopes you – i.e. spring fever! Nesting birds, blooming flowers and new plant growth abound. The explanation for this happening is almost beyond human comprehension. All I really know is that I love summer nights.

Below normal temps are predicted through mid-next week, as night/morning low clouds linger. Soak in the coolness, soon it will left behind…

*Summer daylight hours are 4½ hours longer than winter daylight hours.

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and Official Skywarn Spotter for the National Weather Service. Reach her at suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.