Signs of Spring

We're just staying at home, so it's hard to get out and document the signs of spring,  But I see a lot right here at home and I know more is happening out in the countryside, even though most of the human world has shut down here.

It may not mean much to those of you further south, but the snow disappearing and the grass re-appearing is by FAR the biggest sign of spring here.  If you don't live with it you probably don't realize the ramifications, but the world outside my window has changed completely, and I'm ready to watch a sequence of changes until the leaves are fully out and the warmer weather is here.  Snowblowers get put away and soon lawnmowers will come out, winter tires are removed and summer tires get installed, winter coats, hats, mitts and boots go away and you forget all that stuff except for a summer hat and light jacket.

And if you're in a wheelchair, suddenly the world outside has opened up to you again.  You can get outside and go places without your tires coming in wet and coated with grit.  I've said before that you can't imagine what a difference this means for me.

Can you see the green shoots rising?  Spring is when all kinds of flowers grow and bloom again, like these Tulips and Hyacinths just poking out of the ground.  Everyone notices this and rejoices, but gardeners go a little mad and start frequenting the nurseries (what are we going to do this year?) looking for new plants.  Here it will mean a whole raft of outdoor work getting the garden ready and watching things grow.

Just after sharing the returning birds with you yesterday, this fellow landed right outside the window to say hello!

Jamie, one of my caregivers spotted this Great Blue Heron deep in the swamp and sent me this picture.  I like the way it almost disappears among the water and dark tree trunks.  We haven't seen one ourselves yet, but it won't be long.  Thanx Jamie!

The wildlife wakes up too, and sometimes groggily stumbles about the first few days.  This raccoon walked all the way across the golf course yesterday, disappearing behind our shed.  Sadly many raccoons, skunks and other mammals are killed on the roads at this time of year, unaware of the hazard vehicles represent.  And soon it will be turtle slaughter season too (maybe I'm being a bit cynical there).  

One thing I realize I'm leaving out are the sound of spring.  Frogs will be calling from the wetlands, and birds calling everywhere.  Stick your head out the door early in the morning and it's just a chorus of voices.  Unfortunately I'm not up early enough to hear the best part of this.  But spring is definitely here.