The last day of winter...

Tomorrow is spring. ...according to the calendar hung up in our kitchen.   Earlier this month,  I wrote "spring", boldly in blue Magic Marker, with a line underneath it, followed by numerous exclamation points (obviously in some attempt to wish it true) on the 20th of March,.  Today, I see that my wish was not granted,  as I  look out the kitchen window and clearly see that winter is still going strong.   A week ago, after a few warmer days, I could see some of the bricks from the patio peeking through the snow. Snowfalls earlier this week have covered up those bricks, and my hopes of springs arrival, in another blanket of cold and white.  There are other outdoor signs that spring is not just around the bend.  I have yet to hear any robins.  Our "babies" (hens) are still 'cooped' up as they so dislike walking on snow and ice.  And I was wondering if Mr. Chuck would be by to plow out our driveway as the recent, here and there, small snowfalls were starting to add up.  

Inside the farmhouse, there are more signs of cold season weather.  The down comforters are still on the beds, the wet snowpants, mittens, hats and boots are still drying in the mudroom, the bean pack is still being warmed up in the microwave to keep my toes toasty warm upon first getting into a cold bed and the fireplace shows signs of recent use. 

J assures me that spring is coming and tells me that one day..."pop", it will be spring.  When he says that, I reminded of a Eric Carle (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) book.  A caterpillar "pops" into a beautiful butterfly.  Soon, my winter blues will "pop" away with springs long anticipated arrival.

And there are some obvious signs that spring is coming.  The seed catalogs continue to come in the mail, there is potting soil in the mudroom, I found a bag from Farm and Fleet full of seed packets, and I'm finding lots of other misc. garden supplies throughout the house.  J is starting some garden plants from seed so the kitchen has a few trays full of soil and seeds.  JJ is most excited about the "snake" gourd seeds that he picked out!

My favorite sign that spring is coming happened 10 days ago.  On March 10th, 2013, a mama gave birth to her "kids".  Our farm family continues to grow with two more "kids" arriving in eight weeks... and guess what, they are both boys!!!!!  J and pickle got to meet them today.  I'll share the pictures tommorow....when it's spring!