We get mocked in Southern California for our lack of seasons but those of us on Thacher’s campus this week know that while the change in seasons isn’t dramatic, there is such a thing as spring, and we all know it’s here.  The mercury is rising, the California poppies are dancing, and even the Oak trees are in bloom.

As a student at Thacher, spring was my favorite time of year.  Twenty years haven’t changed my mind.  Just as I did  back then, I still find myself heading out for early morning runs I wouldn’t dream of in the winter just to smell the orange blossoms warming with first light.  I still look forward to the first day hot enough to send us all to the pool for a lazy Saturday afternoon.  I still hang out on the Pergola long after formal dinner has ended, watching the sun set on the valley, putting off the evening’s work just a few minutes longer.  I still want to have class outside, to feel the sun on my back as I discuss The Sun Also Rises.

It’s a comfort to know that this place in this season still makes me feel young, full of life and deeply grateful for each and every leaf of grass.