Spring

This has been a long frigid winter. Haven't seen one this cold for this long in quite awhile. The first day of spring has past for about a week now as I write this. Crocus and daffodils are making their appearance, smiling, waving, as they brave the crisp mornings letting us know that the warmth we have been waiting for really is coming. There are other signs of spring that can be unique to where ever you happen to live. Outdoor auctions are a favorite of mine. I love the feel, the smell of the cool wet earth, the milling of people as they hug steaming cups of coffee and carefully examine the goods that are being offered. Conferring with one another on an object, the weather, sports or whatever happens to be the news topic of the week. That's where I will be headed on this brisk spring morning. To a lovely town where the Amish live on the outskirts and antique stores line the main street. I go hoping to find a treasure that I can snatch up for a bargain or to snag that garden tool I have been looking for, this is the thrill of hunt. I love it. There are other signs of impending warmer weather, one in particular that has happened a few times where we now live. Our neighbor, farmer, who lives not far from us on the edge of town, has cattle. Once in awhile they like to wonder to town in hopes of greener pastures. On this particular morning looking out my window I see a bull meandering through last years sweet corn patch. This makes me smile, after all he's not hurting anyone, and its not something town folk see everyday in their back yard. So I snatch up my cell phone and head out for a picture or two and a video to record the event. He doesn't even mind, good thing really. He is only interested in breakfast. My farmer friend arrives and walks his bull back to the farm down the street, all the while apologizing. I tell him its okay, he's only hungry, and besides I can use the free fertilizer. Ahhh life in the Midwest, I wouldn't trade it for anything.