Hints of spring

This winter has been cold and wet, one of the coldest on record for our area, and officially, it isn't over yet.

However, this week I've noticed hints that spring IS coming.  The goldfinches at my bird feeder are sporting some new, sunny yellow feathers.  There are daffodils bobbing their golden heads in some of my neighbors' gardens.   There are tender new shoots trying to push their way through the dense winter mulch in my native shade garden.  The buds are beginning to swell on the native azaleas.  I saw the first dandelion smiling at me out in the horse pasture and the spring weeds are bursting forth all over.

It may still be winter, but spring will be here soon!