Purple Martins, harbingers of spring

The first day of Spring, March 20, is a special
day for folks around these parts who are dog tired
of winter. Although we don’t have winters like our
friends up north, we still have to contend with drab
landscapes, an occasional frost, cold rains and incessant
wind. However, the calendar says
it’s spring so we have reason to celebrate.
Already our hardwood trees have fresh
green leaves and lawns are escaping the
dull gray of winter and now are begging
to be mowed. My huckleberry bushes are
sporting little green berries that in a few
weeks will turn to a shiny purple, ready for
being converted into cobblers and jam.