There is some progress in the back yard with the melting snow. It seems to melt away around the edges first, which reveals patches of old grass and last year's detritus. It's still too early for new growth of any kind.
This is a view of one half of the back garden taken from the deck.
Dante says "I am pleased to see da grass again aftah all dis time! Even if it's mostly brown."
"Today, I has enlisted de assistance of my sisfur, Domino to give yoo de tour."
(Truth be told, Dante doesn't want to get his feet wet in the melting snow.)
"An' heer she is! May I present her hi-ness, Domino."
"Wot a wuss!" mutters Domino. Sumtimes yoo hasta leed by exampull."
"Most of da patio is alreddy melted, an' dere isn't even any puddulls."
"Ovah heer by da willow bushes, it's dry as a bone!", says Domino.
"I can smell da buds jus' reddy to burst out on da branches. Daddy reely needs ta prune dese fings, doe -- it will help dem grow much thickah."
On her way over to the cedar bush, Domino strikes one of her famous Tai Chi poses.
"I feels so spirityooall out heer", she says.
"Is like bein' in da wilderness!"
It is pretty wild actually, because neither Daddy nor Mommy are very good gardeners. We leave that up to the cats.
"Dat's it fur now", says Domino. "An' I didunt even get my feets wet! Did yoo see how it's done, Dante?"
"Yes", replies Dante. "An' may I fank yoo, yoor majesty! I truly valyoo yoor opinyon."
"So dats all fur dis week", says he. "I kin hardly wait to uncovah wot will happin next time. See yoo den. Ovah an' out!"
