Could it be?

I'm almost afraid to write such a thing, but--the snow is melting. This afternoon's high reached fifty degrees, and I was able to walk in one of the historic districts, even though not all sidewalks had been cleared and dodging ice patches was part of the afternoon's activity. Still--THERE WERE VISIBLE SIDEWALKS. And in one yard, a pair of mallards was having what looked like a wonderful time devouring something they were finding in the grass or the mud. Yes--they were diving into actual grass. The male took time out to take a snow bath, which was a most amusing sight. I'm trying not to get too excited, though.

Spring is likely to be late this year. Last year, on New Year's Day, the creeping phlox was creeping.

 Today, even though the snow has finally melted off of part of the streetside border, no sprigs of green were visible.

the santolina in better days

Last January, the santolina was putting on new growth. Today, it looks as if it may have died.

2013 opened with daffodils already six inches high. None of the 250 daffodils planted in October have yet dared to raise their heads above ground. Sigh.








                                                                            
I did notice, though, that the driveway daffs are up half an inch or so. This year, that passes for a sign of spring.