With a high in the 80's today and creeping humidity, I think it is fair to say that Spring has arrived in the Frozen North. Since I've been remiss in my blogging duties lately (and I took the afternoon off because of a really annoying cold), here's a quick update on Spring:

Crocuses. We have crocuses. I planted about a hundred of 'em in one of our flower beds last fall, and they're all blooming at once. For some reason, the critters aren't eating them this year as they often do. Maybe that's because I planted them among daffodils (which give bunnies and deer bad tummyaches. Everybody together now: awwwwwww), or maybe we just don't have as many rabbits this spring as usual.

Speaking of bulbs, the daffodils are starting to bloom. I planted about 300 of those last fall, and the first are just opening today. In a few days it will be an explosion of yellow.

Recall that last fall I transplanted four sugar maple seedlings (of various sizes) from our place in Northern Minnesota. Two of the four have extremely fat buds right now and there's no doubt they'll leaf out soon. One of the four (the smallest) got severely nibbled, and doesn't have any buds left at all. That one probably won't make it. The fourth seems to be OK, just a bit behind the other two. The lesson: when transplanting sugar maples, go for size. Six- to eight-foot seedlings seem to do just fine, even if I have to leave some of the roots behind.

Costco had blueberry plants a few days ago. Bought eight, and some fencing to keep the deer out. We have a very sunny spot near the pond with very sandy, rich soil. I think it will be perfect. Anyway, they're doing fine so far.

I finally got all the firewood from last fall split, stacked, and off the lawn. There's currently about four cords remaining, nearly all of it green cottonwood. Two cords are stacked in the garage, one in the house near the stove, and one outside. By fall the stuff should be dry and reasonable to burn. I also suspect I'll use up the stuff inside before the season really ends--it just takes one good cold snap and/or some recreational fires. I'm already prowling for more wood for next year.

Also on the subject of firewood, I'm cutting down some big boxelders in our backyard. Boxelders are ubiquitous around here, but as trees go they're nothing special. The ones I'm removing are shading some maples, and I'd much rather have the maples. I should get a few cords of firewood out of that project.