Spring has officially arrived at Shady Pines, and with it comes a mix of warm breezes, blooming flowers, and enough pollen to coat every surface like an unwanted dusting of powdered sugar. The birds are chirping, the squirrels are up to their usual nonsense, and Ma and Uncle R have fully emerged from their winter hibernation—ready to supervise all seasonal activities whether I need help or not.

Springtime always brings a sense of renewal, energy, and the overwhelming feeling that I should probably start cleaning. So, let’s take a look at what’s been going on lately at Shady Pines.

Spring Cleaning: A Journey, Not a Destination

Every year, I tell myself this will be the year I actually finish my spring cleaning list. And every year, I start strong, get distracted, and somehow end up with half-organized cabinets and a junk drawer that’s just slightly less disastrous than before.

• I tackled one closet—which led to me reminiscing over old photo albums instead of actually decluttering.
• I wiped down baseboards, which lasted about 24 hours before the dust returned.
• I attempted to deep-clean the fridge, only to discover a mystery container in the back that I refuse to investigate further.

Progress? Yes. Completion? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

The Great Garden Revival (Or So I Hope)

Spring at Shady Pines means it’s time to battle the yard. Flowers need planting, weeds need pulling, and the porch needs a refresh after enduring months of neglect and winter’s general bad attitude.

I optimistically bought a few herbs, flowers, and vegetable plants, fully aware that some of them may not make it past April. My gardening history is a mix of miracles and mysterious disappearances, but I remain hopeful.

Of course, Uncle R has opinions on my plant choices.

“Why are you planting tomatoes? You never eat enough of them.”
“That basil looks weak.”
“Back in my day, we didn’t need fancy store-bought dirt.”

Apparently, my garden is now a community project.

Meanwhile, Ma has declared war on the squirrels, who have already started digging up bulbs and rearranging things as if they own the place. She’s taken to shaking a broom at them like a Southern Gandalf, muttering about their “disrespectful little attitudes.”

Springtime Shenanigans: Life at Shady Pines

Living with Ma and Uncle R means there is never a dull moment. This week’s highlights include:

1. The Porch Swing Incident
Uncle R decided the porch swing needed “adjustments.” I asked no questions and let him work—until I walked outside to find the swing so tilted that sitting in it required actual core strength.

“Gives it character,” he said.

“Gives me a bruised tailbone,” I replied.

2. The Squirrel Stand-Off
Ma has escalated her squirrel standoff by setting up a decoy feeder. The idea? Distract them with “their own snacks” so they leave hers alone.

The reality? The squirrels now think she’s feeding them out of kindness and have begun loitering around the windows like tiny freeloaders.

3. The Great Easter Candy Debate
Every year, Ma and Uncle R argue about the best Easter candy.

Uncle R: “Peeps are a national treasure.”
Ma: “Peeps are disgusting.”
Uncle R: “You have no taste.”
Ma: “I have excellent taste, which is why I eat Cadbury eggs like a normal person.”

Neither will ever concede, and this will continue until next Easter.

Finding Small Moments of Peace

With all the chaos of spring, the never-ending to-do lists, and the squirrel uprising, I’ve been making an effort to find little moments of quiet.

This week, that meant:

• Enjoying my morning coffee on the porch before the world wakes up.
• Taking a slow evening walk, just to listen to the birds and soak in the fresh air.
• Reading a book without checking my phone every five minutes.

Spring always feels like a fresh start, and sometimes, that fresh start isn’t about getting more done—it’s about pausing long enough to enjoy it.

Looking Ahead

April is shaping up to be a busy month, filled with gardening experiments, holiday plans, and more squirrel drama than I ever signed up for. But despite the mess, the distractions, and the questionable porch swing angles, I wouldn’t trade this season at Shady Pines for anything.

Here’s to longer days, blooming flowers, and maybe—just maybe—a successful garden this year.

How are you welcoming spring in your corner of the world? Let me know in the comments!

Enter the Giveaway

Enter below for your chance to win $200 PayPal Cash Giveaway ends May 23, 2025 at 11:59 pm est and is open Worldwide.

a Rafflecopter giveaway