We’re getting toward that time of year. The calendar may say we’re still in winter, but we’re starting to see a few daytime temperatures that disagree… slightly.
Not that we aren’t still likely to get a few cold days, but it looks as though things are starting to warm a bit. The snow banks are starting to melt. There are even a few road signs I have noticed that are starting to go up that, for now, are covered over. I know they are for spring weight restrictions. I wonder about them every year, asking myself why that sign is covered up, only to discover it has its unveiling around the first part of March when the restrictions go into effect.
That’s one of the hidden presents of spring… heaving roads. It happens every year, usually in the same spots. Give it a few weeks for the frost to get out of the ground and a lot of the humps and bumps that suddenly appear in the roads magically disappear. Some stay. But not all, thankfully.
There are other hidden presents under the snow. I found a newspaper on my front lawn the other day. Seems I just shoveled it off the front walk without noticing.
There will also be other little treats, such as crocuses and snow drops that rush to show themselves as the snow starts to disappear.
Then there is the one I hate to see. And there are many of them. My dog has been busy leaving me little presents all over the back lawn. The snow was great at keeping this a secret, but now they are starting to show themselves. I know I can only ignore them so long, but you need to time this right. Things have to dry out or just hit the right temperature of just below freezing to allow for proper collection of these doggie gifts.
I usually try to keep on top of this chore, but the snow makes it tough. Very soon the day will come when I must venture forth with my shovel to do my duty. I’d rather find the crocuses, but I can tell by the contented look on my dog’s face that she has something else in store for me.
