My first VIABLE sign of Spring 2009

The surest sign of all... snowdrops in my neighbour's garden. March 9, 2009 Good-bye winter... finally!

And check out these "Winter Aconite" blooming UNDER the snow. Amazing and beautiful.

Spring forward 2009

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday.

One Minute of a warm spring evening - Toronto, dusk

Tangible proof that Spring is arriving . . . albeit slowly

Look closely at this snowbank, and you will see what I think is a miracle of nature.

In amongst the ice and snow are dozens of very hardy Snow Drops. I find it amazing that these little guys force their way through the ice even though the weather and temperatures have not been on their side.

It's my first tangible proof and I plan on enjoying their incredible optimism. ;)))

Click on each photo for a full size version...

In the midst of all this . . . THIS . . .

Amazing... In the midst of this brutal snowstorm (March 8), my friend Harriet spotted a very "robust robin" while on a walk with her dog Molly. Now that is one determined bird! Either that or he is just plain daft. What's he gonna eat... freeze dried worms??

We're grateful for your presence though. We like your optimism and incredible determination!

Bulletin: Spring? Forward? Really??

Okay... okay already! I know it doesn't feel like spring at all. Not even close. Even worse we're supposed to get pummeled with snow again this weekend (deep sigh...), but time is on our side, for two very good reasons...

#1 This Sunday (@2am) we turn our clocks ahead one hour. We lose one hour of sleep, but we gain more light in the evenings. Huge bonus! It will make a big difference in how we feel. G_d knows we need it!!

#2 Spring will start on March 20 at 5:48 a.m. That is only two weeks from now, as of this writing (Mar 6).

Even better... This Spring and Summer will seem glorious compared to years past. The contrast of this long and difficult (yet stunningly beautiful) winter, versus the majestic aura of a warm and very GREEN spring day, will put ourselves into an Ultra Happy mode! We will all OD on endorphens! BBQ's patios and café's will spring up like crocuses and snow-drops.

Can you tell I CAN'T WAIT until SPRING?? LOL!!!

Optimism is intoxicating. Spread it around...