Textures, Tunnels, Ice and Snow

Yesterday was a cool but nice day to walk outside and look at what the melting snow had uncovered. This dead and freeze dried lettuce plant caught my eye.

Amy's photograph of a mulched area pressed by the snow almost looks like a piece of fancy handmade paper.

She couldn't resist the fascinating maze of tunnels that meander everywhere.

The architects of these tunnels never heard of a straight line, but all these curves are so much more intriguing.

This area raises more questions. I can't help wondering what those furry little rodents were doing here.

The remaining snow has turned to ice . A dark leaf, attracting the heat of the sun, sinks into a leaf shaped hole.

This hole is even deeper. It was a treat to walk around and observe the long awaited melting of the snow.

This morning we looked out on a world of white. Several inches of heavy snow have covered the garden again. I am recording snow on this date, but I balk at taking another snow covered garden picture. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Signs of Spring

The driveway has been solid ice for a month, and no wonder. The electric bill told us that January was 11 degrees colder in 2009 than it was in 2008.

We have been watching the weather forecasts in breathless anticipation looking for readings above freezing. This week we got a break. At last today the water is beginning to run. It 's flowing down the driveway and spreading out on the snow changing its color. We need several days of this to actually make a difference. It would be great if it would stay warm overnight. When the temperature drops at night things refreeze and are more slippery than ever.

I like to look on this as sign of spring. We have seen a few. No woodchucks casting shadows mind you. We haven't seen hide nor hair of them. We did see a dead possum alongside the road. Of course it was that unmistakable aroma and the dead skunk in the middle of the road that clinched it. The deep sleepers are on the prowl. Spring must be just around the corner.