Sit back and grab yourself a tissue.

That’s the mindset I’ve found myself in most recently as the effects of spring have snuck up on me in a way I seem to forget each year.

Back again in the sniffles, the watery eyes and on certain days the blaring bloodshot appearance of good ol’ pollen.

It’s such a conflicting time for those of us who count down to the longer days, mornings that quickly turn to afternoons as we find ourselves enjoying the beauty of our gardens, all to be topped off by a breathtaking sunset.

Spring, amidst the allergies, is one of my favorite seasons. Not too hot, but just warm enough to pack up our sweaters, boots and long sleeves for later in the year. It does indeed come at a price.

As I type this, tucked away in a favorite chair on my back porch in the coolness of morning, I’m conflicted.

Weeds are sprouting all around me, resisting the urge to break from my thoughts to go pull them is a real thing. As a girl who grew up surrounded by concrete and buildings, spending an early morning with a bit of sunlight and a lush green yard, is indeed a luxury.

And then … the call again for a tissue. My nose reminds me; not so fast lady, it’s allergy season.

Over the course of the past two decades, personally speaking my allergies have had some years better than others. Always one to try something new and look for the most effective treatment that keeps me from falling asleep mid-sentence.

I have yet to find a pill which keeps me from being drowsy and lethargic. For those wondering, to date my two most effective resources are local honey ingested daily like a vitamin and nasal spray. The Neti pot has also proven to be helpful when I’m late to the allergy party and the pollen has begun its invasion.

As I share all of this, I can’t help but find the need to be clear, this is not intended to be taken as a whining baby, pouting about my tissue dependence.

I love this time of year.

Watching seeds turn into plants, plants turn into edible food is truly a favorite pastime each and every spring. So much so, that I always seem to get a little tickle of joy when a spring shower sneaks in to give the seeds a little extra love from Mother Nature.

The longer days are equally a favorite thing.

I recently read an article where it was shared that shorter days are necessary to give the body an opportunity to reset. Forcing us to hibernate a bit, as sun sets and outside activity is shortened due to darkness. The coming of spring, the article noted, is a reminder of new beginning and fresh starts as new plants grow and dormant ones awaken.

That’s how I feel.

While fall and winter hold holidays which make for great family memories, spring and summer bring us so much adventure – and baseball.

Had to sneak that in, how can one talk about spring without a mention of baseball?

While some will commiserate early on their teams’ lack of ability, what I love most about baseball is the length of the season and the number of games.

Like life, if played well, the peaks and valleys can throw some great surprises as one slides into home plate.

Breaking it down a bit, a typical baseball season can very well be a great comparison to a full life lived.

Early on things may not go as one might hope. Simply put the team just may not be playing well and the season may look hopeless. By mid-summer to late July that could all look different as the hot team may be losing their spark and the not so hot team may have warmed up.

Just like life, it’s about patience and timing. I love that.

So as we embrace the season of blossoms, longer days and fruits of our labor let us not forget this journey we’ve been gifted which can indeed be filled with strikeouts, walks, base hits and a few home runs.

Ultimately it’s how we slide into home at the end of the game which leaves the greatest impression.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.