Miscellanea

Boulder hit 67 degrees (F) yesterday.  Looking at the mountains as I walked back home this morning, I noted that the south side of Sugarloaf Mountain was brown, and no longer snow-covered.  The high peaks, further to the west, are still carrying their whole cloaks of snow, but here along the Front Range, we're melting.  The weather forecasters are saying we'll probably break the high temperature record for today, which is 76 degrees.  All snow has melted or evaporated in  my back yard, and the kits had a wonderful day, being allowed to run in and out from dawn until dusk.  Lovey is still pooped out from yesterday, and is asleep in her chair.  Nedi, as usual, is on the prowl outside...
   I spent yesterday on the telephone with cousin Sarah, cousin Brian, and friend Beatrice.  I also finished reading White Fire, and sent a bunch of family history information to both Sarah and Brian.  I had planned on cleaning the apartment yesterday and today, but that is now scheduled for today and tomorrow.  And I'll treat myself to brunch at Turley's Kitchen again today.  At the moment, I have no night-time plans for this week, other than another Grand Jury meeting on Thursday.
   We are now seven weeks away from the first Saturday in May - the running of the Kentucky Derby. Last year, American Pharoah was the betting favorite for the Juvenile Breeders Cup race; but he was scratched due to injury.  Yesterday, he made his return to the track a roaring success - he led the field from gate to wire in the Rebel Stakes, winning by 6 3/4 lengths.  And it's a little more amazing that he returned in such top-flight form since he bobbled on his first step out of the starting gate and twisted his off-fore shoe, and the track was sloppy.  Texas Red, who won the Breeders Cup Juvenile is back in training, after suffering an injury earlier this year.  After his performance in the Rebel, American Pharoah will probably be the starting line favorite for this year's Run for the Roses.
   I am enjoying my morning walks with Rosie, Lucy, and Charlie these days.  Green plants are slowly appearing in flower beds, and some early crocus and daffodils are blooming already.  As we walk, I notice that new buds are appearing on trees and bushes, and birds are scrounging for nest building materials.  The bees in the neighborhood hives are waking up, and are out searching for pollen, while avoiding humans.  The squirrels are going through their mating rituals, and one can see male birds feeding special tidbits of food to their chosen mates.  That also means it is time to start smelling skunks out and about; they have mating orgies and end up spraying everywhere.  In a way, it's a nice sign of spring, but it can also be nauseating, if more than five skunks spray in the same area - the odor will take your breath away! Ernie, our local raccoon, is starting to mature - but he comes onto the patio, attracts my cats' attention, and then they get mine.  He is usually right in front of the patio door, sitting on his hind end, with his front paws clasped, as if pleading for food.  I usually give him some raw vegetables and garlic bread - but found out around Thanksgiving that he loves to eat pumpkin pie...  My local wildlife are spoiled?  Absolutely!