February

In February, frigid days can be followed by balmy ones within the same week.

One night last week, temperatures dipped into the single digits and remained near freezing for several days. Rainwater from the roof that was stored in a yardwaste container froze into a solid block. How long does it take a two foot cube of ice to melt in 68 degree weather? Just 24 hours.

Insects are in short supply by mid-winter. Some critter has clawed away much of the bark and woody layers of this oak stump, looking for a meal.

These daffodils are the first to bloom this year. My daughter's guinea pigs look interested. Careful, girls. Daffodils are poisonous.