Fleeting Signs of Spring

Nothing beats the first smell of spring dirt wafting through the air; the tug of mud under one's boots; the chorus of birds feeling the strength of the morning sun; the birth of youngsters both domestic and wild.

First steps of the season with the pull of mud on my heels.

A few days ago we experienced these signs of spring.  They were fleeting, but oh so nice! 

In this short window of time, we were lucky to have our first calf of the season.

We were also fortunate to arrive home from work just in time to watch the birth.  No matter how many times one sees such an event, one cannot help at marvel in the perfection of it all.  

The instinct to mother.  

The inherent desire to live.

Come on little one.  Time to meet the world.

That's it. Open your eyes.

Lift your head.

Say "hello" to the world.

Things were a little rocky in the beginning for our first baby of the year.  Fortunately we have winning nurse combo which includes a big sister and little brother.  Together they do remarkable work.

Heat of a woodstove, a bottle of warm milk and tender hands, equals,......... a very happy baby

Dry, warm and ready to find mom.

As quickly as the temperatures climbed, the thermometer has again descended back to winter.

Birds are silent with the returning cold.  Instead morning finds them quiet, huddled in shelter and fluffed for warmth.

Hey you in the window with the camera and the hot cup of coffee.  You forgot to fill the bird feeder.

But the days are getting longer.  The sun stronger each day. The lilacs are becoming thick with buds.  

Spring is on the way.  

I saw it.

It visited the other day.