At last - the advent of daylight savings, the imminence of spring, the possibility of warmth. It's been a long, cold winter and I can't wait for the return of optimism and confidence that warmer, brighter days will bring.

Soon the sound of ascending and descending extension ladders will be heard throughout the neighborhood as the rejuvenation of the house and home begins anew.

A cautionary note to those who would paint too soon - the clapboard sided housing stock of New England will need some time to acclimate to warmer temperatures. Make sure overnight temperatures moderate well above the 30s, and ensure proper washing and preparation before painting. There's a lot of road salt and grime on that siding.

Here's a toast to sap rising, green grass, birdsong and the smell of fresh paint.