I enjoy outdoor solar lights.

Gradually through the years I have been landscaping with different styles of solar lights. My first solar light was a small dog carrying a flashlight. Each night when I arrived home I could calculate how much sunlight we had during the day by the brightness of the light.

It was encouraging during the winter when on some gray days the little flashlight would still dimly shine for a few hours. It reminded me the sun was still providing a source of light behind the clouds.

Now my collection has increased. I have solar lights in my flower garden and along my house. My favorite is the solar lights that change color using the power for the sun.

Each night I turn into my drive I watch the lights go through their shades of red, green blue and yellow. By that time my garage door is open and I can drive in.

I have noticed I am not the only one who enjoys solar lights. I see more and more lights lined up along houses and in landscaping arrangements. I can tell by the white hue they shine.

Some people question me if they work in the winter. My answer is always a resounding yes. I am often surprised at how long they will stay on following a gray, dingy day.

During the summer it is always a treat to get up in the morning and discover that some of the lights are still shining.

Solar lights are easy. You take them out of the box, slide the post under the light, pull the tab for the rechargeable batteries and you are ready to go. You can place them anywhere, but I advise against a shady spot. You stick them in the ground and after a day of sunshine you can look out and enjoy the lights, knowing your power bill will not be affected.

I even encourage you to consider the new lights that feature butterflies, stars and birds that change colors. They are a joy to watch.

So while you do your spring landscaping consider putting in a few solar lights.