April 1

April 1. Does the weather man believe in April Fool's Day? Probably. Let's face it. He probably is more aware of the temperamental nature of a spring day than even I am, but today seems to be the perfect example. It dawned gray and cold. It is opening day for baseball and in Pittsburgh the Pirates were ready to warm up. The players couldn't get on the field because the field crew wanted to cover it up expecting a 'wintry mix'. Sure enough, there was a white-out of snow. The snow passed and as the national anthem was played, the sun came out. April Fool's.

Right now it is cold, but sunny and bright. A beautiful spring day. And so I will celebrate the subtle changes that demonstrates Spring's potential.

1. I got so excited when I noticed greenhouses, empty from January on, were beginning to show signs of activity. Piles of mulch are being delivered. Trees and bushes are visible inside as if they have been hibernating under ground and suddenly sprouted up. As for me, I can't wait until I can start planting my herb garden!

2. The first harbinger of spring, the crocus, has finally decided it is safe to come out. They are about a month late. The daffodils, on the other hand, have been up since December as we fluctuated between mild days and sub-zero ones. They couldn't figure out WHAT was going on. But now, little yellow buds are showing just above the ground. When they think it is safe the flowers will hopefully rise up above their protective leaves and grace us with their cheerful yellow faces. (Can't wait!)

3. I haven't seen a tractor out, but I have noticed a few fields have been plowed, so obviously the farmers are getting ready. Yea!

4. The robins finally showed up, and so have the red-winged black birds. (I love those cheerful little red and yellow epaulets on their wings.) The sparrows are going crazy and the finches have come en masse. And then there is the big annual event I have learned to wait for. My house finch pair have returned to my front door and built their nest in my wreath. Last I checked there were 2 eggs in the nest. By now I am sure there are more. Last year they raised 5 babies in a bowl about the size of the palm of my hand. Amazing! House finches are one of my favorite birds. They sing the most cheerful tunes. In the summer, when the windows are open, they wake me up at 6:00 in the morning, but right now, I welcome the warble.

Even with all this bird activity, I finally saw and heard a flock of geese honking their way north. Good news!!

Yes. I do believe we are on the cusp of spring, even if that cusp comes with another inch or two of the white stuff.

However, I am waiting for one final sign. The Super-Shedder has not begun to let go of her winter coat. By now I am usually pulling my hair out over all the fur I have to clean up daily. Instead it remains firmly attached.

When she turns into a tufted pillow I will know for certain that Spring is here and summer is on the way.