No matter how mild or severe the winter, we always look forward to Spring. It’s a time of anticipation. We’re on the edge of enormous change, but we have to temper our excitement with the pace of Nature. Things happen when they happen, and no human can urge them along.

Weeks ago, we planted seeds in the greenhouse for our upcoming plant sale. They sprouted and stalled, ignoring our pleas for growth until the sun sent the expected signals. Then, the tiny stems thickened and reached upward. Plants know when the time is right.

Our chickens huddled together, refusing to lay eggs. Just two weeks ago, we found one a day. Yesterday, there were 23.

Even roadkill has its seasons. In February, it was skunk. Now, rabbit.

We have spotted flies winding their way across the sky and heard the early morning birds greeting the day. The sprouts of garlic and tulips are pushing their way up, as are the lily-of-the-valley. These changes give us hope for a healthy growing season and many hours of playing in the dirt.