The waning light was casting spectacular shadows on the creek bank that runs between our property and Scott Christensen’s studio, but I just couldn’t quite get the shot I was looking for.

Everywhere I put myself, there was something between me and the pristine early spring evening of my imagination.

Yes, in addition to crocuses, daffodils, and tulips, other things emerge in spring.

It’s called “crud you forgot to put away last fall.”

I found this on the pathway to the wood pile. It doesn’t bode well for the iris bed out front.

In our defense, some of it was sort of organized crud. Not all, of course. That rake should definitely have been put away in the garage with the mice where it belonged. But note the careful placement of the gas container under the table…

… as opposed to being left in the middle of the lawn beside the bird bath.

I suppose it’s part of the delight of spring in a snow-bound country, this re-discovery of precious treasures not seen for six months or so. But as much as I love this little jar, I’m really looking forward to those irises.