Signs of Spring

Unlike 2012, Spring is arriving at a bit slower pace.  It's cold, damp and dreary. This morning however  I spotted a bright red Cardinal aloft on a tree branch.  Had the leaves been out, I may have missed him sitting there.  As it was, his brilliant scarlet feathers made a striking contrast to the warm grey branches.  It's a sign.  

I have an alarm clock which chirps birds instead of a glaring beep.  I turned off my alarm and rolled over for another few minutes of sleep, when I heard birds again.  This time they were real birds singing loudly enough I could hear them from outside.  It's a sign. 

Tulips have begun to poke their heads through the dirt.  They began coming up a couple of weeks ago, even when there was still over a foot of snow on the surface.  I love theses flowers because they are the first sign of life to make an appearance in my garden.  I like to bring in vases full of them for my desk at work. I enjoy their brilliant colors.  It's a sign.  

Slowly but surely the thaw is happening and soon we'll be outdoors again.  Out from under this drab, grey, cold, wet blanket of winter.