It's one day closer...

   Each day the sun comes up a bit earlier in the morning and sets a few minutes later in the evening. The birds are starting to sing their songs of Spring now. Must be a mating thing! Before too much longer, the ice will be completely out of the backyard ponds and the frogs will extricate themselves from the mud and take their place along the water's edge. ( WOW There's a $10 word!)

   Most of the snow has melted. We had some late winter storms and with the cool weather, the snow stayed around a bit longer. But even with the snow, there are some plants beginning to break their way through the crusty surface.

   I've tried to help the process by doing a bit of raking and cleaning up, but we will still have cool nights before Spring finally arrives so I'll leave most plants covered with the blanket of last fall's leaves and pine needles for another week or two.

   The grass near the road has enough sand and dirt from the winter's plowing to start a new town sand pile for next year. Think of all the money the towns could save if they recycled. But what do I do with the dirt in my yard? Two thoughts here. Either rake and sweep and toss into the woods or just wait and hit it with the lawn mower during the first couple of cuts. I think I like the second option better,

   Speaking of lawn mowers, I need get some fresh gas, a couple of new spark plugs and see if they will start this year. Maybe a new blade or two also. The yard has a number of rocks that appear just above the grassy surface and the mower can usually find them before I do. I hear my neighbor chuckle every time I hit one, not that he does that much better

   I am not a huge sports fan but major league baseball started this week, a sure sign of Spring and I will watch a few games this year. The Red Sox actually won their opening game this year and it was a win against the Yankees. To my friends and family in New Jersey...maybe it was a bad April Fool's joke. But I guess there is always hope. It's going to take me a week or two to learn the new players and the batting lineup.

   Although the weather has remained a bit cool, I have managed to clean the barbeque grill and cook up a few hamburgers. There is definitely a difference in the taste of a burger when cooked outside. Must be the added flavor of last year's grease still stuck to the rack. UCK! Just kidding....

   With warmer weather and the ground somewhat drier the kids are out on the playground at school during noon recess (There's an expression from the past) racing around, laughing and shouting. playing a game of tag or 'keep away'.

   Although the school is fairly close to the house, just on the other side of the woods to be exact, and the noise could be a distraction, it sometimes serves as a reminder of days gone by and the fun of being a kid, playing those silly games and spending time with friends. But as time passes, we grow up and what remains of childhood dreams are now only fond memories.

   It won't be long now before the trees begin to bud, the flowers will be in full bloom and what we have waited for so long will have arrived. But as each day passes, it's one day closer. Yes... winter will be here before you know it.

   So enjoy!