I love the four seasons. They are all my favorites.

However, winter is too long, and spring, summer and fall are too short.

Actually, our winter has been quite mild.

I had to fire the snowblower up only one time this winter. That means little snow fell but wind and cold was relentless.

So, for the last month I have been searching for signs of spring.

After four months of winter, I just needed a promise that spring was getting closer.

Several months ago, the air warmed (for one day!) and I briefly resumed Kathie and my favorite pastime sitting on the patio enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.

Such an experience increases the desire for the arrival of spring.

But it was a false alarm as winter tenaciously hung on for several more months. 🙁

As I was walking up our driveway on the way to get my mail, I looked up at the tree branches and saw the first evidence that spring was arriving.

The trees had produced petal-less flowers of pistils and stamens.

Of course, the wind always blows at my house and that ensures the pollination of the colorless flowers so that the tree species can continue.

Usually, as the temperature warms the ice on the Mustinka River  breaks up and causes a loud roar as the water and ice chunks float to Lake Traverse.

But because we had a dry fall and very little snow the melting produced less water, consequently, the ice chunks movement to Lake Traverse was a disappointing event. 🙁

The disappearance of the box elder bugs in my house also promised the arrival of spring.

That was a joyful moment because that meant the bothersome little insects had left the house and gone in search of their favorite box elder tree.

They would spend the summer reproducing in the box elder trees and as cool weather returned, millions would coat the south side of my house. The sun warmed them as the falling temperatures warned of another approaching winter.

I was happy to see the bug’s departure from my house. There is nothing as maddening as preparing to take a drink from a glass and glancing down to see a box elder bug floating in your drink! 🙁

High protein I hear, but no thanks to that!

I kept my eyes on the bird feeder as a variety of bird species made their appearance as the spring migration began. I viewed red-winged blackbirds, grackles, mourning doves and when I saw a flock of goldfinches, I knew spring was surely arriving.

I have not seen a thirteen lined ground squirrel yet as the temps have been too low. They are still in their underground burrows enjoying a few more days of hibernation.

I almost cheered when a familiar sound resonated through the house.

For sure spring was here!

Something was attacking my downstairs windows.

The loud bangs made me fearful the window would be shattered!

I ran to the front door, opened it and screamed, “Stop it!!”

There stood Mr. Tom Turkey and he was mad!

Actually, he was beyond mad.

My hollering had no effect on him because he was infuriated at his reflection in the window.

He was attacking himself and at the same time getting ready to shatter the glass on the window.

I actually had to walk toward him to get his attention.

This happens often as tom turkeys prepare for the mating season but normally my appearance causes the turkeys to scamper away.

But this big guy was not afraid of me at all. He wanted to destroy that reflection so badly.

Another negative result from the angry turkey was it loses control of its sphincter muscle which results in, not one, but two piles of turkey crap on my patio!  g-r-r-r!

I think the bird should seek out an anger management counselor and get that temper under control. Or quit eating those hemp leaves in the CRP!

I began to relax as the spring signs were increasing and then last week two inches of snow shattered my expectations for spring! 🙁

But, hey, I’ve lived in Minnesota all my life, so I know the power of our spring sun.

In three days, the snow was melted.

Now I have just one more wish.

How long before summer is here! 🙂

Until next time.