It's official, spring has finally albeit tentatively placed her dainty toe into our landscape. This is the second day of 20-degree weather under a wide open blue sky, the cherished sun warming the atmosphere, and a gentle breeze preparing to cool us off.

Colt's foot and scilla are blooming in the gardens, and tulips have pushed themselves to the point of almost-but-not-quite bloom. The gardens look dry and dessicated, not yet have all the perennials begun to push through the newly-released soil, but the lillies and the irises have and some of the hostas as well; even a few of the peonies. And the climbing roses are showing signs of impending bursts into life.

In the ravine there are two areas where ice persists, otherwise the trails are drying well enough although they're in horrendous shape, full of ankle-busters like limestone rocks, instead of gravel. And where the construction equipment left their full mark, the deep treadmarks are full of dirty water and there is muck galore to be avoided when possible.

Some of the understory is beginning to sweetly leaf out in minuscule bright-green foliage, and maples have got a head start on their foliage, though it will be weeks yet (perhaps less!) before we see an unmistakable green haze over the forest canopy. Today, under bright skies and that gentle breeze, the largest crop of Mourning Cloak butterflies we've ever seen flitted and sailed on the breeze, celebrating their usual early appearance in spring.

Trout lilies have popped up in their little colonies in preparation of their bright yellow starry blooms, and for the last several days we've seen the occasional triangle of trilliums, even a nodding flower head, soon to bloom. Cardinals and robins are singing with gay abandon.

With this warm weather, the remaining ice will soon melt, and Jackie, who for some strange reason seems almost nostalgic for the disappeared snow and ice, will no longer be able to hop aboard it, sniffing wildly.

And spring wildflowers will introduce their presence, to our delight, all over again.