The front yard got a new blanket of cedar mulch that is providing a wonderful smell outside the door.  I finished emptying the last bag as the rain clouds neared.  There was enough time to spare so I managed to get the gutters cleared of all the twigs and leaves that collected in them over the fall and winter.  The rain barrels were ready to catch the first spring rainfall.

The rainfall was much needed.  I witnessed a grass fire a few days ago that was only a mile away from home.  The wind whipped the flames up and guided the fire close to an acreage yard.  The fire department got it under control before any damage was done.  There were two more grass fires that started yesterday; one just two range roads over from mine.

The rain began last night with the first thunderstorm of the season.  It filled two rain barrels.  The showers continued on and off through the day.  The sound of the drops was soothing and the smell was fresh.  It was much needed to dampen all the dry grass, to give the new grass and perennials a much needed drink and to tame the dust that has been blowing around with the gusty winds.

Last night I was carrying and armful of garden hose to the shed.  I was not paying particular attention to where I was stepping until I noticed movement just as my foot was going to touch the ground.  It took a couple seconds to realize that it was a snake.  It was hard to believe that they were out already.  It was only April 22.  They must have been celebrating Earth Day.

The garter snakes have been in the yard for a couple of years now.  They appear to enjoy the naturescaping that was done.  There are a couple of areas piled high with twigs and branches.  The piles provide shelter for the snakes and tiger salamanders.

The ice build up from winter is almost gone.  The grass is greening up.  The perennials are sprouting.  The leaf buds on the willows are popping open.  The cranes and swans are returning from the south.  The sweet songs of the chickadees wake me at the crack of dawn.  Spring is definitely providing a variety of sights, sounds and smells.