Springtime in the Ozarks

 It was snowing and about 24 degrees as we left Mitchell, South Dakota yesterday morning. We turned south in Sioux Falls. As we traveled the snow stopped, the sun came out, and the temperature began to warm up. Late in the day I began to notice some green in the grass along the roadside. And then I spotted a clump of daffodils blooming.

It was after dark when we finally arrived at my parents’ house in northwestern Arkansas, but as we carried our luggage into the house I noticed there were daffodils blooming in the yard. This morning I stepped out to snap a few pictures. I didn’t bother to put shoes on. Much to my surprise the ground was warm enough that I didn’t even need them. I walked all around the property in my bare feet. It brought back memories of when I was a barefoot little girl playing on this very farm with my siblings, my cousins, and my aunt Rachel.

The paved road, however, reminded me that time is moving on. As far back as I can remember the road had been dirt. The pavement has been added since the last time I was here, two years ago. It’s a definite improvement… but ya know, I kinda miss the old dirt road.

Anyway, it will be at least six weeks before the daffodils start blooming at home. I’d love to just stay here for a month and watch spring develop, then go home before it starts getting so hot and humid here and the annual battle with ticks and snakes begins.

But I have “promises to keep… and miles to go…” so we’ll be heading on down the road tomorrow.