Signs of Spring ...

I returned from a week of skiing in the Shennandoah mountains of Virginia just before Valentine's day and saw something new on campus.

Buckets were hanging from several of the larger trees on campus. These majestic Maple trees were being tapped for their sap ... eventually to be boiled down to make the topping for our regular Saturday breakfast here at Pendle Hill ... pancakes!

I am excited to know that the winter months, although enjoyable, are waning and that soon the season of life, renewal and growth will begin.

Meanwhile, we wait ... four inches of fresh snow fell overnight, so it may yet be a while until Spring takes hold ... Last Friday's 60 degree weather was a sign that perhaps we have moved just a bit closer to a season of gardening, flowers blooming and sweet smells filling the air. I'll happily trade in my winter boots for a pair of shorts and my sunglasses.