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Mountain Shadows

By Guest Editorial Writer James Heth

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Spring

Some people believe that robins are the first sign of spring. The truth, however, is another matter. Robins can’t tell one season from the other which is why in January during the middle of winter it is not at all unusual to see a robin hopping along over a concrete roadway cocking his head aside listening for a worm as if he could pull it up through six inches of solid concrete. This bird couldn’t tell spring if it were the only season.

            The real harbinger of spring is the glorious daffodil. This lovely flower comes in three glorious colors; a startling bright yellow, a deeper golden yellow and an exquisitely delicate white.  The daffodil appears in the latter part of March and early April.  Soon after the glowing golden Forsythia blooms in sparkling richness.  Meanwhile the hapless robin is still trying to find a worm beneath concrete. They will keep looking until a tiny wren comes along feeling sorry for the robin will explain to him that worms are not in concrete but in the ground and that it is at last springtime within the mountain shadows.

            A week or so later crocuses will appear a sure sign that spring has really at last sprung!



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Sunday March 30, 2008

Sierra Sun Times