Early Signs of Spring

Welcome!

"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"
Percy Bysshe Shelley
English poet

Although spring doesn't officially start until Tuesday, March 20, it looks as though spring is right around the corner!  That is good news for those of us who prefer the warmer, milder weather.   Although it was sunny on Groundhog Day where we live, and the groundhog surely saw his shadow, the first signs of spring are very evident here in Tennessee.

Traditionally, the first sign of spring is the robin.

(The last few years, however, I'd have to say that the retail stores are several weeks earlier than the robin, with their displays of spring merchandise such as seeds, plants, silk flowers, and bird houses, etc.!)

Although geese stay in our area most of the year, some places they leave and return in the spring.  According to the interesting and informative book, Animal Speak, by Ted Andrews, "second only to the robin", the return of geese "is a harbinger of spring."

(I love to hear the honking of geese and to feel the excitement in the air as they fly overhead in formation.)

Then, there are the flowers, of course.

                                                                The Daffodil

                                                             The Dandelion

                                                                The Hyacinth
                                                   

                                                             The Periwinkle

                                                                Future Tulips


A few nights ago, Greg and I even heard frogs in a nearby pond.

One day this past week, we enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day in the 70's.  We went out without our jackets, and saw a jogger and some others wearing shorts, and a couple riding in a convertible with the top down. 

Alas, the next day it was cold, in the 40's, with snow flying through the air.  The wind was blowing fiercely.  In fact, the weather was acting a lot like March.  As my mother would sometimes say, "February is borrowing from March."

In any case, the signs are all around us, and it is very clear, that spring is very near.

(Please forgive me for that last line with my accidental rhyme!  It made me think, though, of my dear grandfather, Giggy, who always went around quoting and making up funny little sayings for us children which were sure to make us giggle or bring smiles to our faces.  One of my favorites was, "You're a poet and don't know it!")

Featured Photos:

Recently, I celebrated my birthday with family members at my mother's lovely new home after we'd dined in a local restaurant.

           Becky with Balloons in Front of the Original Oil Painting by Father Bill Botts, "Powell Valley"

Thanks, again, you all.  I had a great time!

Positive thought: "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24 (NKJV)
Thanks for visiting!  Until next time (Sunday March 4), Becky