I am happy to say that I am still amazed at how strong the force of life is.

It happens every spring or actually as soon as the weather stays above freezing and the sun gives its encouragement in increasing day length and strength of its heat as it reaches the soil.

In just the past few days I have seen places where last year’s brown growth is giving way to this year’s new green shoots.

There is energy in the sun, and there is energy in those seeds and plants that have been dormant over the past months. They are recognizing their time is here, and they are going to make the most of it.

It almost changes day to day. Tonight, we received a tenth of an inch of moisture. That does not seem like much, but as dry as it has been it was still appreciated.

Fortunately, the weather forecast is for more rain over the next couple days and then we will really see what spring time means for those plants and seeds that have started and those that are still waiting.

Last fall we had to dig up our lilac bushes that had been planted three years ago because they were in the path of the house movers.

Our landscaper dug them up and put straw mulch on them. He said they would be fine over winter even if they were above the ground.

It seemed like a lot to hope for until yesterday when we saw those lilac bushes were starting to sprout leaves while their roots were above ground covered in mulch.

Today, the lilacs were moved to their new location and replanted next to the relocated house. Tonight, we got a little rain to wet the roots of the lilacs with the forecast of more rain coming.

I will watch and hope all 16 bushes start where they left off last fall and thrive in their new surroundings.

The will to survive and grow when given the slightest of chance never ceases to amaze me. I see entire forests growing on mountainsides so steep I wonder what holds them in place.

Dandelions grow where the dirt has collected in a sidewalk because they can. I guess they did not get the memo about not being able to grow in concrete.

Weeds, leaves, kittens, calves, all kinds of life have been given a kick start. We saw our tulips had emerged and onions that had been left in the garden from last year had sprouted.

What a refreshing time of year with all kinds of new growth and birth.

Besides the robins appearing, I have seen tractors emerge from their winter quarters.

It happens every spring, and I do not believe I will ever not be impressed by all the excitement and energy.

Even the young lady at the grocery store quickly totaled my groceries, collected my money, closed her drawer and said to the carryout person, “I will take these out to the car.”

As we walked to my car, I said, “You just wanted to get outside, didn’t you?”

Her answer could be seen in her big smile and shining eyes.

A sunny day followed by a little rain is a wonderful thing. It gives life that force of its own.

Rye is a Farm News staff writer and farmer from Hanlontown. Reach him by e-mail at crye@wctatel.net.