Something feels different today. I think I have the beginnings of "The Fever".

I know just where I caught it. I missed a turn yesterday in Camp Hill, and turned onto a side street to circle back around. What I saw reached into my very being, nearly causing me to drive off the road.

A blanket of Snowdrops in full flower under a very old Beech tree. And so there it is. The first sign of Spring!

The sunrises seem a little brighter. The birds are chirping a little louder. A few warm days, and we, the gardeners, also wake up a little more. Of course we are then thwarted by a stretch of brrr-cold windy days, but, once you've seen it, you can't un-see it.

I saw snowdrops.

Emerging daffodil foliage has been peeking out of the mulch for weeks. The buds on the trees are beginning to swell, as the battle between slightly warmer and still cold rages on.

But I saw snowdrops.

We might still have a snowstorm. It is hardly even February. Winter dormancy is everywhere. No (hardly any) flowers. No (hardly any) leaves. Just twigs and barks and shapes. Just? (Not hardly.)

Oooo I saw snowdrops.

We look ahead with geek-glee to the promise of spring. Those glossy seed and plant catalogs showing up in our mailboxes stroke us into frenzy. But don't miss the opportunities to see nature as she is in each season. Always beautiful. Always right there. Always a delight.

I think I saw a Bluebird today looking for a nest box. I am sure I am going to see a magnificent sunset tonight to end this greatly bright sunny day. Even the cold wind blustering through the evergreens is magnificent as it dances with the branches.

I saw snowdrops, but I think I will enjoy lingering in the quiet of winter just a bit longer.

Enjoy every moment~ Erica