Relegated to the shadows

We've lost so much snow in the last week. A couple of mild days and some rain have taken care of most of it, and relegated the dregs to those cold, shadowy spots where the sun doesn't quite reach. Or at least that's how it was until yesterday, when the temperature dropped sharply, turning the spring rain into a most unwelcome spring snow.

On Monday temperatures miraculously, gloriously soared into the mid-twenties! Windows were flung wide, laundry was hung on the line, life was good. Less than 24 hours later, we plummeted over a huge 40 degree precipice to minus 15. If we hadn't already had six months of this, this brief lapse into winter might not be so bad...

But! There are little shoots of daffodils and crocuses beginning to bravely peek above the soil. The pussy willows are popping. And I have seen a single robin. I know it's coming, but I'm finding I have to dig so very deep into the dregs of my patience to weather what I truly, truly hope is the very last of this Unending Winter...

At the beginning of April, there were a few days where it was just mild enough,
and the deck was snow-free so that Mark could start work on the harvest table.

The last of the snow before the snow came yet again.

Signs of life!

One of the few indicators I have that spring is coming.
Grow, brave little shoots, grow!