FIRST LONG WALK TO THE BACK FIELD IN A LONG TIME - MARCH 7, 2010

Accompanied by five cats and an aging Annie, I took off a few hours ago on my first really long walk of the new year. I've been out and about, but cold weather doesn't inspire me to stay out too long, so today's sun inspired me to get me out to enjoy the light, warm, beautiful day.

My first discovery produced an audible "Yippee" around The Farm when I saw this beautiful little crocus. The bed I planted 25 years ago has been tossled and turned many times over, but every year about this time when I spot the first little yellow flower, I get so giddy I jump up and down like a kid! Isn't it beautiful?

Down by the barn, one of last year's sunflowers still stands, drastically changed by the passing of the seasons yet still firmly anchored in the soil. I love the way flower head has sought support from the stalk.

Cool cat that he is, Cato found a resting place on his favorite stump and poised himself to attack an unattentive Clouseau as his partner in crime sauntered by. Good one, Cato!

And no worse for the wear...well actually, quite a bit altered by a winter outside, the happy woods Buddha still maintains his good cheer despite having lost his belly cover and suffered a pretty good wham to his noggin. A thumbs-up, high-five sort of guy, Buddha seems to be cheering on Mother Nature to bring on the spring!