In the first stirrings of spring, reminders of autumn. Not only from the chill air we’ve had these last few days (and Sunday’s dusting of snow), but also from the auburn halo of our budding trees, which shimmer like fall when viewed from a distance. I’m not sure of this, but I strongly suspect the buds are making my eyes water, too.

But all is forgiven because it is spring. And the red buds that stand out against the blue sky, that scatter themselves across the greening grass, they are just part of the bounty and the beauty of the season. A season that tips its hat to the work of nature that made it possible.