It's Going to Be Spring

I saw the first robin this week on Ball State campus Thursday evening. Friday I saw a half dozen more at work. That means spring is on its way. But, winter is determined to make a final statement. We had freezing rain last night, and today everything is icy with a thin layer of water over the top. The worst possible conditions for traction.
So, this morning, while checking on things, we saw the ducks, standing still, being blown about on the ice like ice skaters. (The wind wasn't even particularly strong!) When they wanted to stop moving, they just squatted down. The minute they lifted back up, off they would go again. We are wishing we had a movie camera right now. (That will have to be on the list of priorities along with the musical instrument wishes.)
We are winding down on lamb births -- we had one born this week, so our count is 42. We have 11 ewes that have no lambed, but Katie thinks half of those probably will not lamb this year (too young).
On another subject entirely~
Jessica is sitting at the kitchen table teaching herself Japanese. As she learns a new word, she quizzes us. I think we are all learning Japanese, whether we want to or not. Good thing everyone is agreeable. :)

All Snowed In

The snowstorm of not-quite-the-century turned the 1/4 mile long driveway into a heap of snow last week, closing down the Greenfield site where I work, closing the schools for the week, and making it well-nigh impossible for anyone to get anywhere. But the friendly neighborhood farmer down the street brought in the heavy equipment and dug us out so I did manage to get to work on Thursday and Friday, and Rachel managed to make her STATE solo-ensemble contests on Saturday. (She placed silver in alto sax and gold in bassoon!)
However, the water heater quit Thursday. Or maybe it was Wednesday night. With the freezing temperatures outside, that means the well water coming in is about 34 degrees. Great for drinking, but horrid for washing. So, while we were out Saturday we bought another water heater -- definitely not in the budget. And, of course, it snowed (with winds) Saturday, so the driveway filled back up. We are awaiting the promise of warmer weather next week anxiously. (The poet was wrong -- February is the cruelest month.)
Meanwhile, out in the barns, the lambs are doing well -- 41 at last head count. Thankfully, no new ones during this wild weather. At least, when I see lambs I know spring is coming. New life always gives me hope. :)
What about you? What gives you hope this time of year?

Lamb pictures!	(before the big snow arrived)