I think this must be my laundry machines’ favorite time of year. After all, don’t we all like to feel needed and appreciated? It’s during these early muddy days of spring that my washer and dryer typically run and run and run– every day, all day, and even a load or two at night. With a new baby added to the springtime scene this year, I find myself saying a thankful prayer for our modern conveniences several times a day.

Thank you, Lord, for bleach, I find myself saying as I slam the lid on yet another load of mud-spattered socks and T-shirts. Thank you, Lord, for hot running water and electricity, I think as I toss another a pile of laundered baby blankets and sleepers into the dryer.

I’d like to complain about the extra laundry–trust me, I do like to complain–but this year I just can’t bring myself to feel anything but grateful. After a long winter, it’s hard not to feel gratified by the sight of our mud-puddled, soggy field dappled with patches of melting snow. An afternoon spent sloshing around outdoors in the fresh air collecting sticks and rocks is more than worth the heap of laundry it produces. Likewise, after a long pregnancy, Raphael’s sweet little breath on my neck and the thrill of being un-pregnant enough to bend over more than make up for the additional work of baby laundry.

So this year, instead of dreading New England’s mud season, I am embracing it. So far. Just do me a favor, though, and don’t remind me of this annoyingly cheerful post 6 weeks from now when the washing machine breaks down from overuse and the electric bill comes due.