THEY'RE BAAAACK

 March came in like a lion, but more from a circus than a roaring jungle. Sunshine is coming back a little warmer, melting the former luge run into a bare walkway downhill. There's something hopeful about an earlier sunrise, a glowing sunset, and a crisp moon. 

The elusive deer are back in full sight, three at a time. They're more curious than wary, but how do they stay so healthy over the winter??

Snowdrifts, more than COVID, make work for idle kitchen hands. Batches of pinwheel cookies in 2 varieties. Then pies with flaky homemade crust. Veggie or apple --- why not try both?

Furry friends are making a return appearance. First grey squirrel, and first black squirrel, since November. First chipmunk too, but right away the fox ran up sniffing the spot. Who are you cheering for?

Of the feathered returnees, the flocks of turkeys are back greedy and side-eyeing. Hard to empathize with these local entitleds. But also spotted is evidence of woodpeckers ----- these cedars have been freshly drilled. Odd that it's so low to the ground; can't be the large rare pileated.

The pond is a long way from emerging from its white blanket. But the roof snow pile is thawing and steaming in the stronger sun.

Another return is the sight of rafts of gulls, now that the pack ice is gone. And look up in the sky --- a jet contrail, previewing the return of air travel. I'm ready to book a seat --- how about you?