Mid February is among my favorite times of the year. Spring Training begins next week, and the sound of baseball's being struck and caught, and coaches and players playing and practicing. When the boys were little, I looked forward to spring for that reason. I'm hoping to do some volunteer umpiring this year, time permitting.
It's also time to begin training for Triathlon season. It's been nearly 18 months since major shoulder repair, and last year was a struggle. I'm looking forward to this season as the shoulder seems near fully recovered, most of the time. First events are in March, and I'm excited already.
But one of the best parts of mid February, and early spring, are the walks in the woods. My Katie and I have been spending evenings, or late afternoons walking these woods for nearly 13 years now. They're right outside the back door, and if you're quiet, in the morning or late evening, and stay very still, the cottontail will emerge to forage, or the hawks will be hunting. Wild Turkey, or deer abound, depending on time of day. Secret Ravine Creek is a year round waterway, emptying the Loomis basin. It's peaceful beyond words, magnified by the not so distant sounds of cars on the highway.
Today, the hint of green was evident in the oaks and cottonwoods and willow that adorn this little piece of nature. When the first bit of green is present in the trees, spring is very very close.
I used to love running over there. It looks a lot better this time of year than it does in Aug.
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