Quite the spring this has been, thus far. Of course several weeks ago we never thought we would see the snowpack disappear to reveal ground bare of snow and ice, and now we have. So that's a milestone. But rain interspersed with snow yesterday? That's a bit much.

In the garden, the tulips are coming up, they're such hardy and determined perennials. I had planted alliums and tulips last year to augment the old ones we've had for so long, and also quite a bevy of ranunculus bulbs. I can hardly wait to greet them, but they're on their way, I'm sure of that.

Last week we had one wonderfully mild and sunny day and the garden soil had warmed sufficiently to persuade our old perennial Bleeding Hearts to make their presence. So far, so good. About four inches of tentative thrust, so far. And then, a stall. The weather turned cold again.

This morning was heavily overcast, a replay of yesterday with its icy wind and cold temperature. But a few hours later out came the sun and the sky cleared completely leaving us with a beautiful blue dome whose crown jewel began to warm the house with its golden spring rays.

We set out with Jackie and Jillie, heading for the ravine. When we did so yesterday we were heading into light rain alternating with snow. But today it was 8C, and that biting quality of the wind wasn't anywhere near yesterday's. And for the first time since winter came howling in we wore no cleats over our boots. The sense of freedom was marked, our feet and our limbs felt released from a burden.

The trails are in pretty good shape although some of them are fairly drenched still. On one of the colls between two descents Jillie had spurted ahead as is her usual habit, while Jackie had stopped off on the left of the trail, appearing to look intently at something on the forest floor. He stood there, unmoving, his eyes riveted on something.

My husband approached close to where Jackie stood and followed his gaze. And that's when he realized something was moving in front of a decaying old log. It turned out not to be 'something', but rather 'some things', and it was immediately obvious what they were. Small garter snakes entwined. We knew we might soon come across snakes released from their winter dens as the cold and snow receded.

They would be looking for sun. These snakes we watched in action had found sun to warm them. And took the opportunity to engage in sex while they were at it. No point explaining that to Jackie, he'd just be mystified at the strange creatures. It's the first time that he's even noticed a snake. In our experience our dogs rarely seem to notice their presence, although to be sure, their appearance in the woods is rare; they're there, but shy of detection normally.

These two obviously didn't care; typical exhibitionist personalities.