14 February 2015 - Earliest yardwork ever

Two years ago, Jack and I were astounded to find ourselves working in the yard in March. We had quite a warm March with no snow and we chopped down some trees, raked leaves, turned the compost pile and other outdoor work. 

 So far, this has been the warmest February on record. Last weekend the temperatures reached 68 and this past week we have continued with low 60s all week. Today was a balmy 61. People are jogging in shorts and t-shirts. The roads are full of motorcyclists and convertibles with the tops down. 
  
So what was I doing on Valentine's Day? Working in the yard, earliest date ever.  I was out spreading rabbit poop on my raised beds and digging it all in.

 My brother works with a woman whose daughter raises rabbits as a 4-H project. Good source of poop.  

And because it has been so warm, I actually planted some primroses in a pot for my porch. They are very cheerful and the smell is wonderful. Definitely rushing the season, but so worth it. 

I have snowdrops in bloom, again way too early. My brother has snowdrops, crocus and violets happily blooming in his yard.
 

Yesterday, I went out to Timpie Springs to go birding. It is about 60 miles west of me. There were only five species of birds to be seen. Guess I was rushing the bird season as well, in spite of all the warm. But the scenery was lovely. The mountain was misted over, looking quite ethereal. 

I love how golden the grasses are before any spring green-up begins. 

 In case you are wondering about the few birds I did see, there were quite a few of the ubiquitous Canada geese, many California gulls, one single early red-winged blackbird, a few horned larks and a house finch.  Still, a lovely day out.