Spring Has Sprung...In January?

January's weather, to date,  has been unbelievable - sunny, warm, spring-like (almost early summer-like).

I am still hanging laundry outside to dry; I am still gardening - weeding/trimming/mulching; I am still comfortable in a light sweatshirt, sometimes shirt sleeves; I am still riding the motorcycle with Glenn.  The thin layer of frozen pond has melted.

The birds, also, are acting as if it is spring - darting, chasing, singing instead of taking refuge in the protected woods or cedar thickets.

wren, mid-note

I even saw a grasshopper hopping about the pasture the other day.  Now, if I see a butterfly; I will be truly shocked.

daffodils - early growth

Daffodils, tulips, even hyacinths have broken ground with thick, green spikes.  My daffodils are notorious for exhibiting early growth in mid-winter, no matter how warm or cold the air temperature, but tulips? I want to yell,  "Stop growing or you will be sorry!"; but,  I do not think these plants will listen. The fact is; I will be sorry.  Some tulips tips have already been nibbled by, I am assuming,  rabbits. (They left their calling card - identifying pellets)  So, if I do not get my usual, beautiful stand of tulips; I will know who to blame.  Those rabbits may look cute, fuzzy and harmless; but, they have destroyed many a plant of mine over the years.  Now, where did those dogs go??? A bark or two might be helpful in keeping the rabbits out of my garden and back in the woods.  Oh, Buddy......

tulips - notice tips at left have been cropped

I know the weather can change any moment, after all...it is January; but until it does, I am enjoying every 'bonus' minute of faux spring.