It is overcast this morning as I look out at the remaining clumps of snow here and there in the back yard. The light rain over the past two days has turned the remaining surface crystals on the lake ice to water and the open water at the river mouth has extended it's path into the lake to the first island. The lone eagle appears from time to time to survey the river and activity below. The otter we sighted three weeks ago has not been bold enough to bask in the morning sun again. The willows are forming buds that will explode into rich green leaves with the first warm day now. The winter palette is in transition and new growth is waiting to burst forth. There is something about the bone chilling humid dampness and the dull horizon that speaks to the core of our consciousness. If we choose to heed the lesson of patience we will be rewarded. The returning warmth will bring inevitable change.