March optimism

The temperature crept above zero yesterday afternoon.  The squirrels celebrated in the backyard, like grade-schoolers released at recess.  With an optimistic heart, I strolled around the canal and the market, looking for signs of Spring.

\I didn't find much, just a tease.  The sound of water dripping from eaves and awnings, pattering in downspouts, trickling down storm drains.  The first swellings of tree buds.  Enough warmth in the sun for me to eschew the direct, determined steps of winter for a meandering saunter and to bring a few hardy folk on to a patio.

I'm already planning the summer.