awaiting Spring...

Despite the fact that today started out at 17 degrees, there were definitely some hints of Spring earlier in the week: the pussy willow buds are just starting to show a little peek of white fuzziness, the days seem suddenly longer as it is still light out at dinnertime,
our snow cover has dwindled {for now anyway} to random patches... ...and I go no where outdoors without my muck boots...

And, I've resumed my afternoon nature walks with a new purpose...helping to collect sap from our maples...

as tomorrow we will try our hand at making maple syrup for the first time.
Stay tuned...
~Deb