When you live in the high mountains of Northern California, as we do, spring comes later than in most places.  Flowers, blooming fruit trees and green, have appeared months earlier in most areas.  So it is with great joy that we see the snow melting away, birds and squirrels chasing one another, trees budding, warm, warm sun and brown earth.

Snow is one of nature’s true bounties.  The first snows of winter are a wonder all in themselves.   Great flakes drift down settling into obscurity, still fascinates us.  The first sharp cold beckons a seat by the fire, soft music while a cup of hot chocolate begets a feeling of well being that all is right with the world.  But even with its’ beauty, 6 months of white cries for a touch of green and the soft colors of earth.  

That time is now.  Ice still forms in ponds at night while spring streams still flaunt beards of ice.  The sweetest water you will ever taste is dipping your cup into a stream and taste the cold run off of winter snow.   Yet to come are hillsides of purple and gold, nesting birds, butterflies and even soft summer rains.