Serious Melting Going On

It got up to 49 degrees today. Almost tempted me to put the top down on the car on the way home from Madison this afternoon. But not quite. I noticed on the way home that there was more bare ground showing than snow for the first time in awhile. Once home, there was still quite a bit of snow, and of course the piles at the sides of the driveway, sidewalk and deck will take some time to melt.

The sun was bright and the yard beckoned to me, even though there was much to catch up on after a day out of town. After almost an hour of work, I finally felt I could put on boots and a sweater and go out to see what was happening.

The ducks have been around for at least a week, and now they are creating quite a racket down by the creek. Lots of jockeying for position, and showing off going on. Not sure that nesting and mating are happening quite yet, but it won't be long. Cardinals are singing loudly, proclaiming territory. Today I heard a red wing blackbird for the first time. Didn't see him, but the sound is unmistakable.

The creek was at least 8 or 9 feet across, at the top of its bank, flowing fast. There were plenty of puddles along the secondary channel below the willow. This melt is happening almost perfectly so far - no flooding, slow and gentle. plenty of time to let as much water soak into the ground as possible. It was pretty easy to walk around compared to last week. Snow only 2 to 6 inches deep in most places, and of a consistent texture.

I think we will have to do some pruning this weekend - apple trees, and a few others. They say we are looking at a new major storm Friday or Saturday. We'll see.