Although spring is still a good three weeks away, signs of it are beginning to appear everywhere. For many it was a hard winter. Old man winter came early and stayed a bit more than some may have wished him too. 
Now slowly mother earth is thawing out. Even before the signs began to emerge and one was able to see the signs of the coming warmth, deep into the ground she was, already fast at work preparing for what was to come. Seeds that had been planted earlier in the autumn months of last year began to open and prepare for their climb up and out towards the coming spring. 
The animals who often know well before man, begin to venture out a bit more, knowing that the winter is once again departing and the playful warmth of spring is soon to come forth. The mad ritual dances have begun and soon the signs of young life will be seen. The scout bees have left their colonies and started to seek a good area to feed when they are ready to travel more. On the warmer days one can hear them buzzing about in an attempt to keep warm. 
Even the bull frogs who had dug themselves deep into the mud for the winter have started to emerge and sit on the bank when the sun is out and shinning. They bask in what little warmth they can find as it is still cool in the morning and evening time. Yes spring is still some time off yet the signs are gaining strength every day. Soon once again the newnes that only spring can bring will be evident all around.
