Springtime in Connecticut

As much as I love every minute that I spend in Florida during the cold months, I am the consummate snowbird, happily returning to my roots each spring. Family and friends welcome me, I am comforted by the familiarity of home and surroundings, and ready to plunge back into the routine and rhythm of life as author, researcher and speaker. If there is time, I will go on my traditional spring wildflower hunt to seek out the early wildflowers poking through the hard, brown earth. In late April, it is the Marsh Marigold, found near brooks and swamps, with its brighter-than-gold glint that takes my breath away, and the fragile but determined Dog's Tooth Violet that is appreciated for its lovely contrast to our still drab wooded areas. There are dozens of destinations throughout the state where you can find spring wildflowers, two of which are described in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket ~ Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury and Connecticut College Arboretum in New London.

April also begins my round of book signings and speaking engagements, with three scheduled this first week. The groups, clubs and organizations who ask me to speak are an enthusiastic audience and I love sharing information about the diverse leisure-time activities in Connecticut, the available picnicking facilities, and great recipe ideas for the occasion.

This year, as always, I have some new experiences to look forward to, including a guest appearance on Prudence Sloan's Talk of Connecticut radio show (WDRC AM 1360) and the taping of two cablevision shows. Also, for writers out there who may be struggling with the question of whether to choose the traditional route of publishing or to self-publish, I will be part of a panel of authors at three Borders Bookstores during the next two months to discuss this very question. Check out my spring schedule thus far at http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/. (About the author.)

Yes, it's good to be home.