In Like a Lion

I can't lie to you, Internet. I love winter. I love the thick nubby sweaters, the warm drinks, the cozy evenings indoors, the whole nine snowy yards. I do. Now, wait! Before you reach for your push pins and voodoo dolls, I should probably mention that while I do love this season, right now I, like most everyone else, couldn't be happier to see it go. I can't resist the transition from summer to fall, when the days start to get shorter and the air crisper, but it's warm enough to leave the windows open in the late afternoon and long evening walks are still a nightly ritual. Winter into spring, however, is a transition that really, only its mother could love. Yesterday I thrilled to the sight of the first shoots of tulips coming up right beside the front steps. Today those little red and green tips are covered in snow again. If you're in the Midwest, like me, you know that last night (and this morning) confirmed that despite our recent streak of warm(ish) days, winter is not down for the count yet. And when the snow started to fall around midnight, (yes, I stayed up to catch a glimpse- I'm not made of stone) I just couldn't muster up the usual excitement. I am weary of zipping into puffy coats and walking on tiptoes to avoid icy patches. I'm tired of boots, I'm out of salt, and my shovel looks like it moonlights as an obstacle at a monster truck show. I've been forcing branches and starting seeds, (more to come here on seed starting!), but for a home gardener, the month of March is marked by an awful lot of waiting. So! In the spirit of spring, and in a nod to Wordless Wednesday, (I know, I don't quite have the 'wordless' thing down), I thought I would share some garden shots from sunnier days, as a reminder (to both of us) that something lovely really is just up ahead.

*All of these images were taken last year at Cantigny Park.