They say that this past Friday was the first day of spring, but you wouldn't know it from looking at our weather. Today is chilly and damp, we had snow night Friday night and though most of it melted off Saturday, it still doesn't look like spring. However having said that, we did see the first Robins return on Friday along with the Cedar Waxwings. Both species love the flowering crab trees in front of the house and were busy eating the last of the fruits that hung on the trees over the winter.
We're seeing lots of coyotes crusing around the farm and the deer are frequent visitors as well. It's the time of year when we are able to get out in the fields a little bit and check out how things are looking and to make sure all the fencing is in good repair. I want to put up several more bluebird houses this spring, as the ones we placed last spring were well used throughout the season by both the bluebirds and the tree swallows. Oh, did those tree swallows work hard on their nest building... back and forth the female would go, finding just the right bits of straw and grass to place in the box. Mr. Tree Swallow was mostly in a supervisory position, sitting near the box but not doing much else. Perhaps he was guarding it, or perhaps he was just a tad on the lazy side. Only Mrs. Tree Swallow knows for sure and she was too busy to care. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes this year.
We have big plans for the garden this year and can't wait to get started. Seeds have been ordered and have begun to arrive and the heirloom seedlings and onion plants should be here around the end of May, just in time for planting. We hope to completely fence in the orchard this year to discourage the visits from the deer who enjoy nibbling on the young trees.
There's so much to do in the spring and the days go by so fast, I want to savor each one and accomplish as much as possible, making each day productive and satisfying.
-Polly
retreat out of the field. The poor coyote was running as fast as he could, all the while looking over his shoulder with terror as the big dark galloping thing was nearly upon him. The coyote was able to make a quick exit just in time to miss being made into something very flat. You could just see the look of pride on Orion's face as he strutted back and forth along the fenceline, his breath pouring from his nostrils, just daring his furry foe to come back. He shook his head the way Welsh do and seemed quite satisfied with his heroic actions. I feel really safe having a Cob in charge. 
