February 11

I saw and heard the first song sparrow today, sitting out on a tree by my kitchen window. The first crocus have bloomed. I was even happy to see that there were flies outside!

February 6

We're thawing out and getting a little sunshine! The heather is blooming by the house and so it is just a matter of time before the "heather bees" will find them. Those are the big fat bumble bees that are the first on the scene. I always feel so good when they return. I've noted the first robin scouts coming through. There are some new melodic sounds in the forest - the first songbird scouts are arriving. All of the signs of spring are welling up such a joyous feeling inside of me. I feel like I'm waking up after a deep winter's sleep -- and in many ways this is true. I am excited to begin gardening again and the ideas are filling my imagination of what I might do this year.

February 1-4

Rain and freezing temperatures in the 20s F at night, seal the car with a coat of ice. It's slick outside and so it is another week of staying home and off the roads.