Signs of Spring: The 2015 Edition

Even though our winter was overall quite manageable, it's still nice to see that it's in its last days - or maybe even over altogether. (Oops, now that'll jinx it.) Signs of spring are all over the place. While Allie and I were out walking yesterday we noticed that lots of bushes and trees are loaded with buds.

We also saw a lot of early bulbs, like these. In our yard the daffodils are about eight inches high. Flowers should be along very soon.

Another sign of spring is that Brad has started the deck repair project, which is necessary after December's tree removal. We had a tree that was (purposefully) growing "through" our deck, so after our tree guys cut it down, there was a large opening in the deck. Not too safe - so now it's time to fix it.

Brad's been weathering these boards all winter long out on the deck. Now they're stacked up and ready to be cut.

Of course, getting the deck furniture uncovered and back in service is a welcome sign of spring. We ate out here earlier this week when it was warmer. We've had some lovely temps. The weekend was beautiful and we worked outside in shorts. Monday was so warm (almost 80) that when Troy and I played tennis outside, I was extra exhausted afterwards - and not just because she's so much better than I am - but from the heat. Today it's back in the 50s and rainy, but the outlook for the near future looks like spring with highs in the 50s and 60s and rain here and there. We'll take that!

We've left out some orange halves in the hopes we might entice some Orioles to stop by this spring on their flights north. So far no luck (and someone stole our first two orange halves - not sure who it was but I'm guessing it was the usual suspects aka squirrels) but we'll keep at it.

And my final sign of spring: Peeps milk! I don't think we'll be buying any of this stuff, but it makes for a colorful display in the store - and on the blog!