Doesn't that look Springy Y'all?
Which it actually IS of course, since Friday morning 10.45 to be precise .. 

I'm happy about it, but mostly for most of the rain to have stopped ...  I'm not looking forward to warmer weather at all.
If it only could stay as it is right now, around 60-65F, now that would be bliss!

                                                                                        

The Vinca I planted on the little grassy slope in front of the front door is starting to flower and I brought some daffodils and primroses back from the supermarket:

I also noticed that the blackberries around the pond are sprouting new leaves so I brought out the hedge-trimmer (best tool for the job) and 'went to town on them' to 'nip them in the bud' .. quite literary!

Once a week I walk to the pond in town, which is my longest hike, one mile to get there, 1 mile around it and one mile back, and used the zoom on my camera to check on the Osprey nest which sits on top of an old  telephone pole next to the river:

                                                           

It looks like the residential Osprey-couple that comes back here every year to raise a brood, will be in for a surprise ... 'honey, there's grass growing in the living-room'!
Hopefully they'll be OK after some thorough spring-cleaning.

Let's see, what else? Oh, yes, It's been quite busy on our little road all week.
Those big trucks? Well, they're working on bringing all electric lines, for the second half of our road, underground!

There's a whole bunch of guys showing up every day which is a big change from usually not encountering anybody at all. 
There's a lot of waving and greeting going on and there's one guy in particular who tries to stop me every time for a little talk ... there's always one isn't there?

It's OK and you can say it adds a little interest to my walk, but I'm going to be happy when they're done .. I know, 'bah-humbug!'... I'm so not social.

I almost forgot .. it was St Patrick's day on Tuesday. As usual, I made corned beef with all the fixings:

I was tickled pink to find a 'point cut' this year at Safeway! In previous years I always had to make do with a 'flat' cut since nobody would carry the 'point' which is a much leaner cut and only half as tasty!
I guess most people want leaner meat/food these days but believe me they miss out on the deliciousness of a fattier meat. It's so much more tender and flavorful, it melts in your mouth!
And since we've stopped eating meat, with only the very occasional exception, I think we're going to be just fine.

Of course I also took the opportunity to bake some Irish Soda-bread. I split the dough in two and added raisins to one of them:

As usual ... delicious (with a big pat of butter of course!)

And how about some cuteness overload:

On my way into town, just out of the gate,  I heard a cow mooing loudly in the meadow next door . After locating her, half hidden under some low trees/shrubs, I saw the reason why ..

     

She had a baby! I was just a minute to late to see it being born. She was already starting to clean it up ..

                                              

When I came back about 3/4 of an hour later, it was already up and nursing!
So freaking cute!

                  

Yup! Spring has sprung! 
Despite everything that's happening in the world, life goes on ..
 for now.