Spring

I may be premature in my celebration (premature celebration), but it's nearly 60 degrees and sunny here in Massachusetts. It feels like (is?) Spring! The snow has melted, the dormant earth has pushed the frost up and out, leaving happy brown mud everywhere. The endorphins are spiraling out of control after a long winter, and, being on the farm and more in tune with the seasons, I have a few new reasons to celebrate Spring.

• Green grass. Not only can I see the pastures, they are turning green. Which means the cows get to graze, and the goats and sheep will begin to soon.
• The chickens were let out today. They've been cooped up all winter, and our younger flock got to see its first Spring day ever this morning. I visited them in the late afternoon. Happily pecking away all over the field, doing what nature loves for them to do best.
• Warmer weather means planting season. We've got our green houses all ready to go and (I think) have started planting in them. In the not-to-distant future, our garden will be covered in green shoots. Well... in a month or so, realistically.
• No more freezing temperatures means no more having to deal with frozen water for the animals.
• Soon our reliance on grain will end, as our livestock animals can get their full nutritional needs from the land.
• Fresh vegetables. At least, we can start planting greens in the immediate future. No more veggies solely from the root cellar and freezer.
• Running! I've been forced to jump rope indoors all winter, but I got to unleash my legs today. It felt great.

Ok, that list is bizarre enough. But really, there was nothing like seeing the chickens out today, pecking and scratching around, when I know how long of a winter it's been, and how sweet Spring freedom can taste.