Signs of Spring

As my honey, Shirley has pointed out the birds sound like spring. I heard them again this morning and yesterday I saw a finch that was turning into it's bright yellow instead of the dull winter color. I looked around and saw tulips and other plants breaking through the ground at the end of January. Where did winter go? I complain about the cold and snow at times like everyone else, but where is it this year. I worry how this will effect the insects and weeds this summer. The winter cold helps control them, but how will the ticks be this year. I guess we will soon find out. I like to plant potatoes, peas, onions and lettuce around March 17 and that isn't too far away. Watch it snow on St. Patrick's Day.