Wow! The past week has been delightful in weather. Yesterday’s high was 47 degrees F and it is currently registering 45 degrees! The sun has been shining brightly most days, so it feels much warmer. The clouds have come back, so although it is still pleasant, it doesn’t feel as warm as it did earlier.

The snow geese, our true harbinger of spring, should arrive between the twelfth and fifteenth of this month on their way to Siberia and their nesting grounds. Arriving at about the same time will be the Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and many species of ducks. A lot of those nest here, although most of the swans go a bit further north. Coming shortly will be the gangly sandhill cranes. I always enjoy watching them come in for a landing.

The snow geese have not been so plentiful the past several years. I think they fairly well depleted the marsh grasses on this side of the inlet and are now feeding on the other side. If my theory is correct, they will return to this area in abundance once the marsh grasses have been fully reestablished.

The eagle population has increased much this past month as they get ready to go to nest again. It is fun to watch them reunite after a winter apart. They soar high and dive, they sometimes grab feet and spiral downward together. There are some fights, but much more frolicking and play.

The road crews have been busy removing all the sand from the major traffic areas and city sidewalks. Everyone is optimistic and thinks spring is really here, again, and fairly early. We may still see a snow flurry or two and possibly freezing rain, but overall, spring is in the air.

Fortunately, we managed to miss the 11 inches of snow that Anchorage received last week, so most of our snow is off the roads and roadsides. Our driveway is a muddy mess and some dead grass is seen in our yard where snow had been shoveled. Most of our acre has only three or four inches of snow depth yet to melt.

We’ve had some really good meals this week, too. Most of the entrees have been buffalo, lamb (not for those skittish guys), chicken, turkey, and halibut. We’ve also had an abundance of fresh grapes and apples.

My twins went shopping on their own the other night and came home with $20.00+ in grapes (about 10 pounds) to go with the three bags already in the refrigerator. I guess that if they are going to over-indulge, at least it is a good food choice instead of candy, chips, pop, etc.