Dreaming of Spring

The tree branches creak and groan under the stressful weight and the burden of heavy snow until they can no longer bare the load.  They snap and fall, littering the ground now encased in an icy coffin, awaiting their release with the arrival of warmth and a thaw.

A new thick heavy frosting of white covered the frozen branches this morning.  I'm beginning to tire of this flavor and am impatiently waiting for a plain unfrosted treat...warm and fresh like buttery pastry right from the oven.

The trees bare scars from this winter's wrath which apparently hasn't yet settled.  It will take days of trimming and mending to clean up the destruction and repair the broken trees to the best of our ability.  Normally I would not look forward to such a dreaded task, but now I anxiously wait for the opportunity to put this month behind me and welcome the warmth and dryer conditions.  Dreaming of spring.

My horses stand eagerly waiting to enter the barn where fresh hay and soft dry ground awaits them.  Their breath white and frozen, coating long whiskers that cover their fuzzy noses.  They limp gingerly along on the hard crusty surface as if walking barefoot on a gravel road.  Anxiously waiting the arrival of sweet green shoots of grass to fill their stomachs and their days with hours of blissful gazing.  Dreaming of spring.

Bright yellow crocus peak from beneath a blanket of fluffy white, rich purple neighbors stand at their sides.  Daffadils fill the yards and brighten the landscape as deciduious trees form soft tender buds.  Following closely behind are red and yellow tulips to prove it's arrival. Dreaming of spring.