Still Waiting

 The block is still sitting proudly on the ice, not showing signs of sinking just yet. We have had warm temperatures today in the 50s and periods of rain. Most of our snow is gone and the ice is getting darker, so things are changing. It's very hard to tell the condition of the ice, but it looks pretty soft, and there is no indication we will see freezing temperatures to slow things down again. We are in a holding pattern of 50s and rain for the remainder of this week. Diane just sent me a photo of the block - like she said, she feels like she's sending the same one each time. It certainly looks very secure out there! Diane said as of this afternoon there is still ice on both of the smaller ponds. Probably the ice will just turn to slush very gradually and the block will sink without fanfare as opposed to some years when it travels on ice blocks several feet up or down the pond, depending on the wind.

I think I'm noticing a tinge of green in some spots on my lawn. The buds on my lilac bushes are swelling and I have clumps of daffodils up a few inches here and there. It's happening! The rain this week will make a big difference. Stay tuned!