The sky is covered in whitish gray clouds. It rained during the night and will continue raining on and off all day. The breeze is chilly, but the air is warm, 50˚. There is a fog warning. I need go to the dump today so I'll go in between rain drops.

When spring is poking its head through winter, mornings are my favorite time of the day. The birds are back and singing to greet first light. A warmth breaks through the cold. Everything feels lighter. The air smells fresh. This morning I saw the first green shoots of the dafs in my garden. I did a happy dance.

I buy flowers when I go shopping. I put them in every room. Tulips and dafs make me smile. They bring color. They bring spring even on the coldest days.

The dogs are out a long time in this weather, even when there are no possums. Nala keeps busy with the stuff she steals. Yesterday she stole a stick of butter, I thought was safe. It was far back on the counter. Later, she brought in a dog food can from the yard, a can she'd stolen earlier. I hope that's a trend: Nala cleaning her own mess.

Last night, I put one of the cat's food dishes near the gate so I'd remember to take it downstairs to wash. I was playing with Jack when I heard a sound I didn't recognize. I looked and saw Nala had her head through the hole in the gate and was licking the dish which was clattering against the floor. I moved the dish, the path of least resistance.

I loved my mother's brownies. She didn't use a mix. She baked them in a square metal pan. When they were cool enough, she'd frost them with chocolate frosting then sprinkle the top with jimmies. It was a chocolate overload for which I gave great thanks.

My overloaded laundry basket still sits next to the cellar door, and I'm finally tired of seeing it so I'll haul it downstairs to wash. Nala follows me to the cellar. It is a new space for her to explore. That worries me.