The headline in today's local paper was "Spring dreams," with the subtitle "This winter, too shall pass." I don't need to take it on faith, I've seen the evidence. The above freezing temperatures over the weekend and half of yesterday significantly reduced the amount of snow on the ground, allowing me to find this:
the sprouting leaves of a Monkshood (unknown species of Aconitum). This plant is in a microclimate of a raised bed against the east side of the house, but a microclimate does not explain away this:
an already leafing out volunteer Viburnum. Once this week's chilly days pass, I'm certain this Witchhazel will finally unfurl its petals.
Huzzah!