helwen

Yes, we have more snow, and currently freezing rain. It's likely we won't be going even to town nevermind down the hill to the valley or to Gfld.

But the Mass Maple Producers Assoc (MMPA) has already had their meeting, supplies are being inventoried and prepared, and plans being made for starting tapping -- not for a few more weeks, but we need to know how the trees and existing pipeline have fared over the winter thus far. We have to be ready.

Vegetable and fruit farmers and hobbyist growers alike have been perusing their catalogs and placing orders. They have to make ready.

Gardeners and flower lovers alike will take sustenance from spring bulb shows at home shows or local greenhouses.

Because somewhere deep down, the trees are beginning to stir. The days are getting longer, and no matter how much snow and ice we are getting today, the end of the season of snow will come.

And when it comes, the race to check the soil, to prepare beds, to check for frost end dates, to mark up calendars with planting and harvesting dates will begin. Birders will look and listen for the first songbirds to arrive from the south.

Spring is hidden, but it is here.

Welcome Spring!