13th Day, 3rd Moon, Year of the Dragon (Azulon 65)
Today was the first really warm day since last autumn, and in celebration we spent most of it outdoors. Spring is late in coming this year—the cherry blossoms are still only tiny red buds, and the grass is too pale and soft to walk on without crushing it. But the koi have awakened from hibernation, and the turtle-ducks have begun their courtship rituals. It was the first time Zuko has been close to animals since he began crawling, and he has a typical childish fascination with them. I had to watch him very closely to make sure he didn't fall into any ponds. When it gets a bit warmer, I'll have to start teaching him how to swim, just for safety's sake.
For now, I showed him how to crumble up stale rice cakes and throw the pieces for the creatures to eat. He definitely enjoyed the throwing part! He also loved the sunshine…so much, in fact, that he didn't want to go back inside for lunch and kept trying to take off the hat I put on him to protect his skin from burning. My husband says this is the mark of a firebender, for whom the sun is empowering, and I'm sure he knows what he is talking about.
In any case, it is such a joy to have the warmer weather returning. The winter has, what with one thing and another, felt much longer than usual. But I have a feeling that things will be better all around in the year to come.