First Green!

Breaking down the snowbanks.

The weather has finally started to turn the corner toward spring. Last weekend (March 19-20) we had a couple of strong-sun days that, while not exactly warm, reminded you that spring is coming. We went outside --- of course --- and worked on relocating the snowpiles so that they would melt faster. This is something I remember doing as a kid and I never really enjoyed it but Oliver totally "dug" it. It felt good to stand in the sun and soak it up, and it felt even better when I noticed the first spring bulbs producing tiny tips of green-yellow that you only see in new plant growth. I had really thought it was too early for the daffodils, crocuses and narcissus. I love that they are more optimistic than I.

Spring optimism.

Big Snow



Enjoying the snow ...

Yesterday we got hit with the fifth largest snowstorm in Vermont's history. We got somewhere between one and two feet of snow and the blowing and drifting conditions made for treacherous driving. We stayed home and tried not to let cabin fever totally take us over ... but it was close. I don't know if I can reasonably hope that this is our last big snowstorm. It's early in March, so it's likely we'll get another one. But boy, oh boy do I want spring to arrive. For whatever reason I'm finding this winter more difficult than usual and I don't know what to do other than dream idly of the afternoons when I can come home, chuck the work bags, and head out to the playground with Oliver. Yes, we play in the snow, but I'm dreaming of a green springtime ...