While growing up in Chicago we always looked forward to the weather warming up, the plants blooming and the birds returning.  Spring was a wonderful time of year when we were children.  The days got longer and summer vacation was just around the corner.

Spring was also a time of renewal for homes.  Spring cleaning was an annual event for most families.  Getting rid of the items no longer used, putting away the winter wardrobes, scrubbing and airing out our home were among the tradition.  After several months of hibernating we looked forward to the fresh breezes with the smell of flowers circulating through our home.  Spring was an exciting time when I was a youngster.

As a young adult I moved to Hawaii.  There are many reasons I decided to make Hawaii my home.  One of them was that every day is Spring.  We have warm sun and ocean year round.  The smell of flowers is always in the air.  I only have one wardrobe (no suits and ties).  All of the things we loved as children about Spring can be enjoyed year round.

The people of Hawaii are different.  In general they are much friendlier; what we fondly refer to as the "Aloha Spirit."  Race, ethnicity and diversity are things that we see as our strengths, not challenges.  For example my neighbors are from just about every race, nationality and religion you can think of and we are all good friends.  With a population of about one million you would expect a big city mindset.  It really does not exist.  On our island of Oahu, everyone seems to know everyone.   No matter where I go on the island I run into folks I know and get greetings from not only them, but from almost everyone I come in contact with. 

We fondly refer to Hawaii as living in Paradise.  Not just the natural beauty and weather give Hawaii that label.  It is also the people.  The combination of both that makes it Paradise and everyday Spring in Hawaii.