The signals of spring

It was 7am when I stood on the back deck breaking up ice in the birdbath so I could refill it with fresh water for the little creatures who come to visit. I then filled a new feeder with a special treat. This year, thanks to my friend Susan, I discovered dried mealworms and we’ve been blessed with an abundance of bluebirds who swoop in multiple times a day for a snack.

Looking up at the old ash tree that hosts a variety of feathered friends (and an occasional raccoon family), I took a deep breat...