Signs and Portents

Happy Vernal Equinox to those who believe in such things.

(I know it's supposed to be sort of a northern-hemisphere obligation, but some of us live in our own little worlds and may not partake of that communion....)

The first robin of spring

Of course, a few hours ago it had been the last robin of winter. They winter-over in this area, eating bugs and berries instead of freeze-dried worms.

Beware, though, the _winter_ robins around here are Canadian Imperialist Spy Robins, who think they_have_ gone south to warmer climes.

Went up to the University Forest ski trails, in the faint hope that they had groomed the crusty snow. Lazy swine had not. Skied anyway, with slushy granular slop out in the fields and sun patches, and icy crust in the woods. If we don't get fresh snow, I may be hanging up the skis and poles until next winter. Time to pump up the tires on the mountain bike, vehicle of choice on the tattered remnants of so-called road that Maine spring offers.

1.5 hours, 7 miles +/-