Waiting Ever So Impatiently

Here we are just days away from the official start of spring and the weather has gone from spring to winter back to spring so many times I feel like a yo-yo. 

I bet that's how all the trees and animals feel also. 

I saw two Robins mating in the back yard the other evening. 

Why, yes, I did stay and watch, thank you for asking! It was fascinating, and they didn't seem one bit bothered by my presence. 

The chipmunks have returned from winter hibernation. They are a most welcome sight!

Thankfully I haven't seen sign of my bear just yet. 

Just the same, I'm not taking any chances - the bird-feeders have to go into the garage every evening now. 

Stupid bear. 

The pansies I potted up last weekend are so happy right now and it makes me just as happy to see the little pots of springtime scattered about. 

I've been watching the forecast, hoping that the cold temps that were predicted to begin Friday night would improve. 

They haven't. 

They have gotten worse. 

Uggghhhhh. 

Friday is going to be a miserable day with rain and snow, and dropping down in the low teens. 

Saturday night is worse. Just look at that - winter is truly going out with a bang. 

Things start to improve on the following Wednesday, so my little pansies will need to go into the garage for just a few nights, it seems. 

Better safe than sorry!

I wonder about the strawberry plants? I had overwintered them in my little garden cottage - will it be safe to leave them out at this point? They are hardy little buggers for sure. 

I started giving some of the pots - including the strawberry pots - a little soil boost, using one of my all time favorite products. 

Buy it at Gardeners Supply Company

I empty out most of my pots in the fall but for the larger ones that stay out all year, or any I successfully overwinter in the shed,  this stuff is the best. 

Just a little handful worked into the top layer of soil will give your potting soil new life. It saves both your back and your wallet by not having to replace the soil each and every year in your container gardens. Win/win!

Meanwhile, I have lots to keep me busy as I get ready for the real spring to arrive. 

The seeds are arriving tomorrow and I have everything I need to get started on seed starting for this season. 

The new garden swing has arrived and is awaiting Sweetie's help to assemble. 

And I saw this wicked cute idea for plant markers on Pinterest (where else?) that I would like to tackle for the veggie garden. 

Via

I still have a lot to do outdoors to be ready for the season but I'll get it all done as time and the weather permits. 

I do feel that this balmy (weird!) winter has given me the opportunity to be ahead of the game this year - that's a fantastic feeling, for sure!

I just hope winter doesn't settle back in for the long haul now. 

I'm over it. It's time to move on. 

You and me? We're done, winter!

Scram!