It's true, it's really true

Now I'm positive. Spring is almost here. I say almost because it's still pretty chilly. But we're past caring.  Most of the people I know have declared that it's Spring, even though we're still lighting stoves and wearing sweatshirts indoors. It's April, for heaven's sake.

Here is Ernie, atop the remainder of the stovewood pile, wanting to come in.  Now he meows at the window instead of at the door. It must be spring, because he wants to be outside a whole lot now!  The blue tarp behind him keeps the rain off the wood, but made the picture really dark, even with a flash.

Daffodils and daylilies have emerged next to the front door.

The Hellebores have appeared from beneath their leathery leaves. 

Tulips always look like they're rocketing out of the ground, even through the snow!

The Leopardbane flowers will be the first perennials to appear, daisy-like flowers that are bright yellow all over.

In a few weeks, if it warms up, these will be full of bright blue bachelor's buttons. These are among my favorite flowers - Mom grew them in her garden when I was a child.

The brook is full and moving right along.  The days of rain seem to be past, and the very high water is going down.  Thanks to last year's stream work, I'm not worried, but a lot of small brooks are flooding.

And finally, RHUBARB!  Tim moved the plants last summer, because they need full sun.  All three plants are up, but this one is furthest along. Rhubarb and yogurt! Strawberry rhubarb pie!  Rhubarb brown sugar coffee cake!