A Quick Fix of Spring

Well, the big snow didn't happen unless you call 1cm of snow on the deck a lot.  Looking at all the photos of what happened to areas south of here; we lucked out.  I was going to use the broom to get rid of the snow on the deck, but the sun melted it before I got out there.

I did notice that the sun was also working its magic on my garage roof.  When the snow on the metal roof starts letting loose and an avalanche begins off the eaves, I know spring is around the corner.

The sunlight was reflecting through the icicles that formed on the downspout and the backyard snow sparkled like diamonds on the icy top layer.

A neighborhood dog must have been chasing a squirrel.  I've never seen a rodent that small jump from fence post to fence post in such a hurry.  It ran across the top of the snow to the tall poplars behind my yard and scurried to a high branch.  I could see its tail bushed out and its jerky movements.  I'm sure whatever was chasing it was getting a scolding.

The birds were busy at the feeder.  Chickadees, blue jays, magpies, nuthatches and downy woodpeckers took their turns at the peanut/sunflower mix in the tray.

There are another sixteen days until it is officially spring but I'm thinking that I can safely say that the -20 degree temperatures are behind us.  I won't put the snow shovel away but the heavy winter jacket and boots are being tucked into the back of the closet.  Bring on the lighter layers and the insulated rubber boots.

Until the calendar officially says that it is spring, I'll enjoy the changes in my yard.  It is going to take quite awhile to melt all that snow but I can tell that it has gone down already.  The very tops of some shrubs are now showing through.  I'll take in the beauty of the icicles forming on the garage and the sheds.

I just might head into town early today and stop at the greenhouse before work.  Their gardening show on the radio yesterday hinted that they are looking and smelling like spring inside their facility.  I think I need a quick fix of color.  Bring on spring.