The First Day of Spring Celebration

Today is the first day of spring in Australia and New Zealand. It didn't jump straight out bed as if the alarm clock was set on 1st of September. But it has been stirring from its winter slumber since a fortnight ago, and creeping slowly out of bed, much to the annoyance of many spring flowering buds, who are waiting impatiently to burst into blossom. It is just like waking a teenager in the morning to get ready for school. I know the sun will do the trick for me, I simply pull the curtain and let the sunlight into the room. It works every time! No wonder, the sun is worshipped by so many cultures since the beginning of time.
Astronomically speaking, the vernal equinox falls on September 22nd in the Southern Hemisphere should be the middle of spring. The first flower of my orchid plant blossomed a fortnight ago, has confirmed the arrival of spring. It was also heralded by the blooming of deciduous magnolias, cherries, and quince in the gardens of the neighbourhood. Just like my son, it will give all sort of excuse just to stay in the cosy bed for another minute. Well, the only meaningful and acceptable excuse is the daytime temperatures still lag behind because the earth and sea have thermal latency and take time warm up.
Although the phenological definition of spring relates to indicators, the blossoming of a range of plant species, or the flowering of my orchid may be the indicator of spring. I have to wait until the soil to reach the temperature for my seedlings to survive and flourish before I start transplanting them in the herb garden bed under the Hill Hoist.It therefore varies according to the climate and according to the specific weather of a particular year.
Today, my wife and I celebrate the first day of spring, not only as a time of growth, renewal, of new life (both plant and animal) and the start of better times. It is our wedding anniversary. I will raise a toast with my homemade rice wine and say; To my wife.