Gold lights lead to green lights...

March has been gorgeous from the skies above all the way to the water's edge.  I like March for a lot of reasons but mostly, because technically, it is the last month of winter. I say that with more than a little wistfulness. I love winter and really am sad to see it go.

I have spent portions of the last five or six winters in New York, and except for this year, mostly on Shelter Island. I love the quiet beauty of everything during the winter. And, also love it when it gets a little rough and tumbly with winds and snow. That's the time to crack out a fire...

What I love best though, is the time of day around 4:30 to 5:00-ish p.m., right when the sun looks like this...

Because when the sun looks like that, the woods look like this...

just washed in gold, but only for a few quick moments (and the pix does not do the color justice!). Then, grayness takes over and night begins to fall. It is such a magical moment. Like a sprinkling of gold dust to light up the end of the day. Wonderful.

Given that I have to move on and spring arrived officially yesterday...

The floral carpets are laid

and the osprey are back. Spring it is.

I have turned to mixing up a little magic for an old friend...my green shake. One morning, a little by accident, I added in a few jalapeno slices to my brew and oh my...loved it! It had a nice kick and I look forward to seeing what else I can pepper up. Kind of lit up my morning and added some spring to my day.

On this Women and Wednesdays, anything you have done that adds a little light or kick to your day, whether the beginning or the end of it?

Spring Kick Green Shake*

1/2 frozen banana or 1/2 orange
big handful of fresh spinach
2 leaves of kale, removed from stalk (optional and make sure they are young leaves, not the old "toughies")
few slices of ginger
big handful of mint leaves
dash to 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
few slices of jalapeno pepper
water, coconut water or coconut milk to taste
a few ice cubes
Mix up in blender until desired consistency. Drink up and enjoy your day!

*This is a very veggie forward shake...not at all sweet. You may want to add a drizzle or two of honey or agave nectar. You can also add in yogurt or protein powder and make this a meal.