As I’ve said before, I’m not much of a winter person, so the arrival of the first blooms of the year always gives me a much needed emotional boost. The crocuses pictured above actually pushed their cheery little blooms up two weeks ago. Judging from their location, I suspect we have some hard working squirrel to thank. Crocuses are not native to this area, and their location on a wild slope behind our humble little cottage leads me to believe they were planted by other than human hands.

The past few weeks have given us some warmer days, including a couple of 70 plus degrees. Daffodils, irises, and day lilies are all showing their tips, and fresh chives are sprouting in their pot on the porch. Sage, oregano, and thyme are starting to green up, and it looks like one of the rosemary plants may have survived January’s sub-zero temperatures.

Spring arrives on March 20 this year and in case you can’t tell, I’m chafing at the bit. In a few weeks, our onion sets and lettuce seeds can go in the ground. I’ve begun the annual clean up of winter debris, and I plan to start prepping the garden soil this next week. I’m as ready as I’ve ever been, and as soon as Mother Nature gives her go ahead smile, I plan to get busy. 22 days and counting.