Signs that Spring has Sprung!

My lilac bush is in full bloom. It is so beautiful. I was sitting on the patio enjoying the sun yesterday morning when I heard splashing in the bird bath. The first guest was a beautiful Robin. I believe it was a male due to the deep, rich colors. He has having a grand time bathing and fluffing his feathers. Once he was finished playing in the "bathtub" he flew to one of the trees and sat in the sun. He was probably enjoying the nice warm weather as much as I was. I went back to daydreaming when I heard a distinctive little peep near the bird bath. I turned to see a new visitor. This time it was a Black Phoebe. It wasn't interested in bathing, it was thirsty. It sat on the edge and continually dipped its tiny beak in the water taking little sips. Phoebes have a very distinctive trait. While sitting, they bob their tails up and down. This little creature was no exception. They also "eat on the fly." As it left the drinking hole, it flew across the yard in a bit of a zig zag pattern. It was probably grabbing a quick snack in mid-air before touring the neighborhood.

After my little friends had flown off, I sat in awe as the gentle breeze blew the rich fragrance of lilac my way. Ahh ...... Spring has definitely Sprung!

Donkey in the Well (author unknown)

"One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. 

He invited all his neighbors to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement, he quieted down.

A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well and was astonished at what he saw. With every shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up.

As the farmer's neighbors continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off! 

Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up!"