could it be ...

... this morning i awoke to the sound of a lovely songbird. it wasn't just a chirp here or there, nor that of a bird just in search of food. it was a high and light hearted full blown song and he sat on the branch of the tree out back until he was finished.

was it a song of spring?

yesterday i saw a yellow crocus popping out of the dull brown earth. (i love the color of dirt but this was unturned earth, packed down by heavy snows and not really pretty). a basket of lovely primroses help to brighten our kitchen table and it probably won't be long before the daffodils and tulips start growing as well.

i know that more snows will come, and this warm weather is just a teaser. but for now, i shall enjoy the lovely gift of the hint of spring.

epilogue: winter must have stalked my blog for she has decided to show her power and has snowed this very evening. but not to worry - the sturdy crocus can last through a storm or two...i suppose i can too! fie on you winter, spring will be here soon.

magical elves

my neighborhood is full of good little elves. after a winter storm, when the snow is heavy and covers our walk and driveway, i think to myself - "oh i must go and shovel all that heavy snow off of my driveway." you see if you don't shovel snow and then drive over it, ice develops. and i have a fear of ice. ie broken ankle 2004! anyway back to my story ... "self, you must go shovel". but before i have a chance to don my snow boots and shovel, i look out and the man elves of the hood, aka hornes, hones, connors, baileys or gardners have already been to my driveway and completed the job. lucky me! but the last two snow storms have been during the daylight hours when most of the good neighbor elf men are off to work. so...i decided to don my snow boots (i still own a pair of moon boots) and shovel, (the nifty yellow handled powerless shovel, not unlike tatiana's, given to me for christmas by reedo) and clear my own driveway for once. this was not necessary however, for the good woman elf ferguson, dressed in yellow, black and brown parka with bright blue and red hat, complete with ear tassels and large ball on top was already pushing her snow blowing machine and clearing the way. i joined her and soon neighbor linda saw us hard at work. (actually suzanne was working, i laughed and took pictures). not wanting to "miss out on the fun" linda hopped onto her trusty fourwheeler, equipped with shovel on the front and joined us. she created a tidal wave of snow and slush as she cleared the road and gutter. good elf karen, yet another neighbor, then came with her large magic driveway ice pick and removed what ice had built up when i drove over the snow before removing it. i continued to laugh and take pictures and shout a mighty thanks that i am blessed to live among such great people. elves truly are magical!