I chose to spend my outdoor time in the backyard today.  The sun shone brightly as I raked, trimmed and enjoyed the fresh air.  It was a welcome change.

I took 3 wheelbarrows of dead grass and deer poop off the lawn.  When the mule deer showed up for food this evening, they appeared confused.  There was no deer poop trail for them to follow to the dish.  They kept sniffing the ground and it took longer than usual to make their way to the food tub.  I noticed that their colors are really changing.  Their coats are turning darker.
 
The forecast shows rain for later this week.  My yard is ready.  The perennials are sprouting and the natural grasses that I planted last summer are greening up.  There is still a big bank of ice alongside my garage.  It may take awhile for it to melt but the rest of the yard is ready for spring.

While I was working in the yard, I heard flocks of cranes and geese overhead.  The horses from the farm behind my lot stopped by for a visit and a crunchy carrot.  The neighbor's cat parked itself on my patio furniture for an afternoon nap.  It is officially spring.