The moment I take a step into the backyard, little as it is, I am able to pick up the wonderful scent that is emanating from little white flowers. Another step or two and I notice a subtle sound. It is spring and the orange blossoms are sharing their fragrance with the winds and attracting bees.

As much as I will enjoy tasty, juicy oranges from the tree in about nine months, I enjoy almost as much the aroma of the blooms. My middle son gave the tree to me 23 years ago. It was to live its life in a whiskey barrel planter as the down-sized tree it was meant to be, but I planted it in the ground when re-locating eight years ago. It seems to be enjoying the opportunity to spread its roots and it shares its appreciation with yummy fruit.

There is much to love about spring, just like there is about each of the seasons, though winter is measured in hours instead of months where I live. I believe we should take notice of the seasons and their traits, even when it is dry, scorching heat. There is something to be enjoyed and appreciated for all the changes that occur throughout the year.

I have a few projects to undertake this spring. Those that I can move to the backyard to complete, like building new garden boxes, I will…so I can enjoy the gifts that the little white blooms share.

Other scents will soon mix in the air as other trees and plants burst into new life. Hay fever notwithstanding, I love spring and its variety of perfumes.

This blog section is titled Philo, which is Greek for loving, as in love of: for example, philanthropy: love of people/humanity; philosophy: love of knowledge or wisdom. My writings for Philo examine “love of” many things — both subtle and sublime — that comprise life and living.

Check out my photographic project for the year, The Year of 70: Decades of Joy and Thanks.