Except for that one cold spell a couple of weeks ago, this winter has been unbelievably mild. I've taken the change of speed as a personal favor from the weather gods and am enjoying every moment of the sunny days.

Apparently, the plants and animals feel the same. I heard a chorus of wood frogs calling in a sunny spot down the road last week (although they quieted back down a day later) and the honeybees have been out flying every warm afternoon. Sunday I figured out why --- the speedwell and chickweed are in full bloom!

Meanwhile, in the cold frame, lettuce seedlings are up and growing. If the warm weather holds, maybe we'll have a Valentine's Day salad?