Beth Lapin

Ooh-ah-coo-coo-coo! It’s spring. Well, at least the mourning doves are at it, with males defending territories and enticing their lifelong partner for a little fun. Since they eat primarily seeds and feed their young pigeon milk and predigested matter, they can get an early start.

Certainly our mild winter give them an edge, too. Today it’s in the fifties, sunny, and almost balmy. The mail carrier was covering her route in short-sleeves.

By no means do I think I have enough clout in the world to make much of an impact, but I did my part to bring about this unseasonable winter. I bought several snow shovels, as mine had been hammered into oblivion during last winter’s barrage. And, for the first time in decades, I did NOT hang my snow banner. For as long as I can remember, I have ceremoniously replaced my summer flags with one large blue one, filled with large white snowflakes. This year, I rebelled, as just the sight of it made my shoulders ache.

Perhaps it helped! Spring: I’m ready for ya! Bring it on.