April, to my mind, is the real beginning of spring.  Maybe the calendar
says March 21st, but to me it is April that brings to mind all that is
pure and good.  The making new again of all that is worthy of life.  
Daffodils blooming on a hillside, crocus pushing their way toward the
first warmth of the sun's rays.  As a Christian, the promise of eternal
life.  Good Friday.  Resurrection.  The empty cave.  The sting of
death is removed.  Hallelujah.

While too many, April is a new Easter bonnet, white shoes, time to
put away the black shoes and handbag until next year.....  a new
outfit, chocolate Easter bunnies, Easter eggs....  why Easter eggs?  
What does a bunny have to do with eggs?  I have always
wondered about that.  How much fun to have the
Easter egg hunt.  Pretty pastel colored eggs, gold
or silver ones containing coins or prizes.  What
does April bring to your mind?

April showers to bring May flowers, we have patience for warm
weather to come, as we have had that taste of it with the few
scattered nice days and the blooms of spring.  Time to do a thorough
spring cleaning.  Energy flows as we are now getting sunlight
through those sparkling clean windows.  Those with SAD (seasonal
affective disorder) are able to break from their misery and claim
victory over their feelings yet again.  Happiness is here at last.

Time to take stock in ourselves, also.  How did we fare through the
winter?  Did we do our best to maintain a good way of eating?  How
about that A1c?  In today’s market, there is always a large
assortment of fresh veggies and fruits.  Chilean fruits are perfect
when our trees and plants are bare.  Ripe and luscious, doing it's
best to make sure that you are tempted to partake of its goodness.  
For a person with diabetes, winter can be a hard time.  Not only do
they have their exercise schedule messed with, the foods they
normally eat become more expensive.  Remember, they have to add
shipping and freight charges on to those beautiful things in the
produce section.  Our bodies are going to become slow and sluggish
during the winter if we let them.  The challenge is to find that place to
walk and get out of the house.  A mall? A gym?  Whatever you chose
to keep your self moving about was to your advantage.  ; It helped
you keep your numbers down, your spirits up.  Give yourself a well
deserved pat on the shoulder.  I'd say back, but who wants to break
their arm ;-)

April is the time to get outside, clean away all winters’ debris from the
yards.  A good workout is in it for all.  Replant what needs to be
brightened up.  Color spots everywhere will brighten not only your
environment but your spirits.  With the promise of warm months
ahead, shake out the cobwebs that formed during the cold spell and
be prepared to enjoy life yet again.  I'll meet you on the hiking trails.  
20th Edition April 2005
April
 Written By:
Marilyn Neves
  Co-Owner