It was a breezy 70 degrees in February.  We took a hike in John Bryan (the circuit, across both bridges).  Mobs of people and dogs were out.  The water was rushing and falling.  Lots of plants and mosses were turning bright green; there were fine fungi and lichen specimens.   A nice older man from a midwest wildflower group pointed out some tiny first flowers of the season, always exciting.  I think these were called “harbinger of spring”, for obvious reasons.  They’re delicate white with dark purple specks, like salt and pepper.

Back at home, taking advantage of the beautiful weather, we finally upended our bin of aging compost from last season in a corner of the yard.  It was nice and black, ready to add into the beds I’m going to dig.  I also mulched an area behind the house that I’m using for perennial herbs, and possibly tomatoes.  Soon I’ll start my indoor seedlings.  I’m planning a garden full of native, bird/bee/butterfly/etc.-friendly wildflowers, perennials, cutting flowers, as well as lots of veggies.  Gardening is my cheap but effective psychotherapy, to help me get through the duration of our Ohio sojourn.