Spring in Chicago

 

This is Chicago, so winter can linger here. Sleet and snow are still possible tomorrow, or next week, and even  in March and April. 

But already,  there are early signs of spring---

buds on the branches of the hickory tree!

crocuses coming up in the yards!

geese in a line flying north!

The Chicago Auto Show, paczkis for Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday, potted tulips at Walgreens. 

And amid news of basketball and hockey, there's first reports of Spring Training baseball.  

Pitchers and Catchers Report!  Those four words in the gray days of winter--you can almost smell the green grass, feel the warm sun and blue sky---everything is new again...

This is spring in Chicago---buds on the branches, baseball on the radio.