Now that the weather is warmer, the snow is finally starting to melt.

I appreciate that.

We still have a few resistant patches of the icy buildup in the yard. But it doesn't deter the wild animals. I saw the fox trotting up the hill across the wasteland of the development that is turned to the slow speed dial.

A walk around the block revealed a stone wall, fewer trees, the start of a road, but not much more.

When we got back home, we had visitors.

A herd of deer were collectively sampling the yard, crunchy with pine needles.

Unperturbed by our walking into the yard they hung out together. We discouraged them from making hors d'eouvres out of the bushes in front, so they went to the back and rested. Naptime.

Later, the elk moved in.

It took me several stompings on the porch and dramatic renditions of "Boo!" before they sauntered off. They were not in a hurry.

Ahhhh, spring.