A little peak at spring

Although today is gray and dreary, the beauty of yesterday lives still. Golden sun rays exploded through the sky and whispered a forecast of spring. I went outside in my t-shirt and jeans. The sun penetrated my skin and warmed my soul. My dogs chased and played like dogs do. They rolled in the grass and laid on their backs. The sun warmed their souls too. The tortoise, whose life couldn't be more depressing in the winter, showed visible signs of delight. His eyes opened wide. He stretched his limbs and stood as tall as he could. His neck stretched aaall the way out of his shell, and I can't be sure, but I think he smiled. My task of the day: The great spring poop round-up - a decidedly unpleasant task. But, I didn't mind in the least. My muscles quickly fell into the familiar routine of raking and bending and lifting and squatting and all the movements associated with yard work. It felt wonderful to have my old gardening gloves on - the leather perfectly molded to my hands. Those gloves are well acquainted with the handle of a rake, and immune to the torment of my singing. My next door neighbor is very particular about his yard. Last year, we beat him to the first official yard task of the season. But, he was out there the very next day. I glanced over his fence and noted he hadn't yet started spring clean-up. I wondered if he would see my rake and misinterpret my task as "yard work." Although tempting, the piles of melting snow and an ominous forecast of at least one more good snow storm discouraged me from considering starting any "projects." But, it didn't discourage my neighbor. He was outside first thing this morning with a rake and a snow shovel. Yes, he literally shoveled the snow off his grass to rake it. I chuckled to myself. "well, then. Let the yard wars begin."