Even though we’d had a few nice days over the past week, it’s obvious it’s still winter. Over the past few days we’ve been below the freezing mark again and nights have dipped down to the teens. A cold, blustery wind has been blowing, dropping the “real feel” temperatures by ten or more degrees. Yep, still winter.

My spring bulbs are still waiting to break ground. Tree buds are still tightly closed and hard.

The bear who has picked him or herself a prime hibernation spot is still fast asleep in my neighbor’s tool storage trailer. They fondly refer to it as their security guard.

All signs that say winter still has its icy grip on New Jersey.

I am longing to throw open the windows and hear birdsong. Have the spring breeze bring the smell of wakening earth into the house. Go outside without a coat. Wear sandals and sling-back shoes again. Roll back the pool cover and gaze into its blue depths. Alas, those things are not possible. Not quite yet.

But, wait. Something is happening. Look what I found this morning in the boggy part of the woods in our yard.

The skunk cabbage seems to think spring is not far away after all!

We had the front door open yesterday.  Mid-60’s.  Tomorrow, mid-40’s forecast.  Still, just like in September, when there are chillier days among the warm boding fall, we have warmer days with the chilly bringing spring!

I think yours will come sooner than mine.

What a welcome sight! Soon enough we’ll be complaining how hot it is!

Did some cleaning up in the yard today, those oak leaves are always the last to fall and the last to be picked up.  They seem to be attracted here downhill from the oak trees nextdoor.  It should make it to the lower 50s (hopefully) tomorrow—but deffinately warmer.  Those few warm days we had a week ago have confused my daisies… they’re about an inch or two above ground but still a light green. I need to put soil around them so they don’t freeze after this weekend’s warmer temps. I can’t wait to put the compost soil back in the garden, I’ll have to mix in some top soil too to get enough.

I’m leaving tomorrow for Philly so I’ll see you next week, have a good weekenddd.

“Bear’s trailer”? haha you have a new neighbor.

Becky, you are probably right. We will get spring before you do.

Mary, don’t I know it!

Luke, maybe my oak leaves blow down your way too. It seems we can never get them all up—they just keep appearing! Have a good debate in Philly!

OMG ... I LOVE that first picture.

It has been a very cold winter this year. It’s just now sinking in. Warmer here in DC today and supposedly warmer still tomorrow. The trees here are ready to pop any day. i can’t wait!

I’m trying to figure out that first lovely picture…what is it reflected in? 

Security guard, what a great sense of humour your neighbor has!

I keep forgetting to wear a coat, we’ve had SUNSHINE, but it’s in the 30’s.  It confuses my poor brain!