Well, we've waited and waited .......And then we waited some more THEN FINALLY
First we had days like this
~ GOLDEN DAYS! ~ HOORAY!!
AND THEN......
OOPS! IT ALL WENT AWAY
At least the juncos are happy--they winter here, and take off to northern Canada when the weather begins to turn reasonable.
Speaking of juncos.... and why not?
This happy camper is a grey-headed junco. We had grey-headed juncos this year, Sometimes we do, and sometimes we just have the Oregon viariety, like the cute fella above, on the snowy step. Well now. Here's the question of the week.... Bird books of repute tell us that grey- headed juncos are recognizable by their rufous mantles. So since most Juncos have grey heads, Why are these not "Rufous Mantled Juncos?"
Here are 2 more of their kind, living the good life at our feeder. And although they prefer to be ground feeders, they seem to adapt in a crisis. Well, you have to admire their fortitude, and they ARE awfully cute!
Anyway... Onward and upward....
Spring returned and we got out and grubbed around the garden in our shirtsleeves. OPTIMISM ABOUNDED --and rampant ivy departed. Wow! there are all sorts of columbine, bleeding hearts, and bluebells coming up under there 
- not to mention the understated , but horribly "correct" hellebores.
Momcat et al
have at it.
You may notice that there is still a bit of snow across the street, but it is on a north facing side; and it is leaving fast. Notice it is so warm, that Fatherhead continues working even as darkness falls.
It isn't just narcissism thart makesme love this picture.....Well, maybe there is a little bit of that in there. (By the way, this caption is intended for mature audiences only and reader discretion is advised) Anyway....If you've ever watched "Dr. G. Medical Examiner" on the Discovery Health Channel; it reminds me of Dr. G., herself, cutting into somebody's ribcage. Dealing with a year's encroachment of ivy takes the same sort of equipment and determination.
KEE--RUNCH!!
Terribly sorry if this upsets your sensibilities, but as one who spent her early marriage typing autopsy reports.........Well, I think it is amusing.
All well and good ....BUT........................................................
The day ended with a sky that looked like this. Beautiful, but it does not portend good things. And sure enough..........
NEXT DAY
Here we go again!Notice, however, that there is a hint of sunshine and blue sky.There's still hope!
Sure enough!Pine Siskins munchin' and courtin' and courtin' and munchin'AND... Notice that yard across the street?
.........that north facing yard?
Patience is rewarded
IT'S TURNING GREEN
!!!!!
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength...." Isaiah 40:31
The primroses, blooming in the warmth before the snow, slept quietly under their white blanket and forgave us when it it went away and spring returned.I finally decided it was time to take the Christmas array off the front porch and put up the spring things. After all, the Vernal equniox happened so long ago I can hardly remember it. We never take the greenery and lights down, beacause one or 2 families of house finches usually like to build nests in it. I suppose the lights gave a certain warmth to them as well as beauty to us. We just put up a forsythia wreath and a swag of spring flowers and march boldly into the next season. 
Remember the words of Job in one of his lighter moments........
BE STILL AND CONSIDER THE WONDROUS WORKS OF GOD
~~ Job 37:14 
AMEN
