Signs of the Time

On the precipice between winter and spring all the signs are converging.  The red-winged blackbirds have returned.  The creepers are chanting their melody.  Fewer snowbirds attend the daily catering service outside my doorwindow.  And, best of all, things are starting to rise from the still frozen earth and even, some of them to bloom.  Here are the early risers at The Acres this March 16th--five days before the official beginning of spring:  pussy willow, snowdrops, crocus, aconite.