Spring

The first stirrings of spring are making themselves felt, despite the 2 feet of snow on lawns. Our Japanese peonies, sheltered in the garage each winter, are beginning their annual early season bud. Peanut, the adopted chihuahua, is getting independent and frisky, a far cry from his usual vernal lethargic state. During my 22-miler this morning, the mockingbirds were taking posts at the very tops of trees to announce their respective territories. As an outdoor runner, I welcome relief from bone-crunching -3F wind chills. I know that, in only the third week of February, announcing the arrival of spring is setting oneself up for chilly dissappointment.