The lilacs are blooming in Helena.

The evening sunlight is stretching, and the warming temperatures are less of a surprise every day.

Students are counting the days until summer vacation.

The parking lot at Mount Helena is full most evenings, a sure sign that hikers are beginning to enjoy the trails.

Gardeners and deer are strategizing as flower gardens are planted.

We're testing our bicycle tires and putting new grips on golf clubs.

Memorial Day is only a couple of weeks away, and Canyon Ferry beckons.

What we're saying is it's a beautiful time to be in Helena.

This year, of course, legislators are back in town.

The winter-time visitors, whose departure is itself usually a sign of spring, are back for a special session.

They're here to put together the state government's budget, a task that eluded them during the regular session.

Now that that sun is bright, the grass is greening and it's actually possible to stop and smell the lilacs, maybe civility and compromise will flower as well.

Anything's possible.

At any rate, we welcome the Legislature back to Helena.

Enjoy experiencing our town in a different season.

We hope it's a short visit.