Signs of Spring

Even though it's five or six days until it's "officially" spring, I think it has arrived, nonetheless. Some sunny days have really helped things along. Robins have been around for quite awhile, with their cheerful chirping in the mornings and evenings. Green grass has started to crop up for awhile.

(Tiny and some beautiful green grass by the arena last week.)

I heard a mockingbird the other evening. Daylight Savings Time has started. (Bleh.) Wheat has started to thicken up, especially with the recent moisture we've had.

(Wheat north of town yesterday, looking southeast towards the buttes.)

Trees are beginning to get leaf buds, so they no longer just look like sticks on trunks.

(Our neighbor's maple tree yesterday morning, getting thick with leaf buds.)

Just today, more things have become apparent: a woodpecker and two noisy bluejays this morning giving a "concert," a neighborhood forsythia bush busting out in bright yellow blooms, a flock of geese flying high and headed north. Our redbud tree is starting to have buds.

(Buds on our redbud tree.)

And though I DO NOT have a "green thumb," I started a project just for fun, to see what happens. I have tomato, a garden mix (flowers), and sweet pea (flowers).

(Seeds started in recycled egg cartons.)

So as days get longer and warmer, spring will get into full swing. I know that will mean mowing and insects, but it will also mean hanging clothes on the line, and more nice evenings in the yard roasting hot dogs in our outdoor fireplace. We've done that already, but it will be nice to sit out without heavy coats and blankets. Happy Spring!