Spring cleaning weather

The sun is shining and a chilly wind is blowing - it's the kind of weather that looks better from the inside than it feels outside. Outdoor activities are fine as long as you wear a windbreaker and keep moving, but the real way to make the best use of this weather is by spring cleaning indoors.

What is it that makes us (at least many of us) want to clean up at this time of the year? I think the light is a major factor. The days are longer, the sun shines brighter, and we suddenly see the dirty windows, the dusty furniture, and the cobwebby corners. (Oh, and the blue metallic paint on my car really glistens when the layer of grime has been washed off!) Of course the light also gets those hormones flowing that demand renewal and rebirth, making us more active, so add those to the mixture. Psychological explanations abound; I won't even go into them here.

The proximity of a holiday does its part as well. Not only does Easter prompt a flurry of decorations, but it often means company - in my case, family members who no longer live here will be home for the weekend. And they're not only coming themselves, but also bringing their special someones along. That gives me a vital reason to finish projects, get everything spic and span, and cook and bake besides. To say nothing of the additional church services, which keep a musician busy for Christian holidays.

Hmm, I guess that explains the phenomenon of spring tiredness, doesn't it?!