By Lies Vervloet

February 17. This year, that was the day I felt spring returning.

It started as soon as I woke up. Because: it was already light (tip 1), the birds were singing (tip 2) and it wasn't cold anymore (tip 3). Enthusiastically, I rolled toward my bubble companion.
'It's spring!" I cried. "Do you feel it?
'No,' he croaked. By which he actually meant, "I'm still asleep - what the hell are you doing!? (my dearest bubblehubby is not a morning person)

But then so.

Spring.

Throughout the day, I kept feeling it. There was a certain lightness in the air, a cheerfulness so characteristic of the season. Even the tulip that had graced our table since Valentine's Day suddenly tried extra hard to bloom open.

For those who weren't already sure - yes, I love spring. On the smell of wet rained earth. To wildly proliferating weeds. To that first day when you no longer have to wear your coat or - better yet - can take those nasty white legs out into the sunlight once again. Here's to eating outside and glasses of cool rosé. Delicious.

And let's face it, corona makes spring itch all the harder. After all, who doesn't crave picnics in the park after spending so much time indoors? Who doesn't long for outdoor chats with the friends who seemed so far away in the dark, icy winter? Who does not long to finally get back outside?

It's true, it's not yet spring like springs are supposed to be, full of hugs and parties and planning trips. We are unfortunately not yet rid of corona.

But did you know that corona actually means crown? The sun has a corona. Some flowers have a corona. A corona with a lime in it can be very refreshing. Just to say: it doesn't have to be all bad news. Even though it is still hard for all of us, there are still nice things in life, there is still so much we can enjoy. Let's make the best of it together. Because it is spring. There is hope in the air again.