The weather see-saw continues unabated

Oh what a difference a day can make. See for yourself the images below of Wednesday during a near white-out and the first spring flowers in bloom on Thursday. Such mixed signals.

Methinketh that spring is just around the corner, not because of the calendar date but the signs of nature. The cold season grasses and wild plants are emerging.

On Tuesday, a nice sunny, still and warm day, the chickens were observed chasing diverse and assorted flying insecta. As the chickens rocket forth from their coop in the mornings, they immediately begin the search for further insecta on the ground. Friends and readers, years of watching the marvelous insect world tells Mr. Fuzzy that they are rarely incorrect in their assumptions about the seasons. Surely true spring is not far away.

These warm days bring the domesticated fowl the pleasures of basking in the sun, dust baths, and tender, tasty new growth on wee plants. Gallus Domesticus have an astounding range of vocalizations and it is a delight to hear their coos of contentment on such days as today (forecast to reach 55F). Although their feathers insulate their bodies reasonably, their legs, feet, combs and wattles have no such protection and they most clearly suffer on cold wind-driven days. When the girls are happy, the expressions of pleasure are found both in their chatter and egg productions. Egg production has made a fine increase with the generally warmer days and longer hours of sunlight. Mr. Fuzzy eagerly awaits the day when the fowl find food enough in nature and the mounds of chicken feed bags become a thing of memories.

Soon these warm days will bring absolute need of daily labours on Stratheden but in the short period betwixt early pre-spring and real spring, there are hours wherein Mr. Fuzzy has numerous options on the application of his time. Warm days are far more pleasant for mechanical works on the gasoline vehicles and thus Mr. Fuzzy managed to mount the newly rebuilt carburetor on the old Dodge and is thrilled to have it rolling down the rural lanes of Floyd county once more.

May spring soon warm the air around you and the earth beneath your feet and soon bring the bounty of harvest to your families.