Well, our NWS predicted an unusually strong winter storm last week and once again they nailed it.  First, 1.21" of much needed rain fell that then changed over to snow totaling 8.4" accompanied by strong winds and significant drifting.  A short cold snap was followed by a rapid warm up that melted all the snow except for where it had heavily drifted.  The 1.21" of rain mostly soaked into the soil while the snow melt of 0.77" had time enough to soak in.  Area waterways are currently flowing at a healthy pace and are mostly below any flood stages.  So it seems safe to say that soil conditions are currently mildly wet.  And with the warm temps some trees are starting to bud out a bit while area lawns are getting greener by the day.  Daffodils are growing and some ramps are now emerging.  Finally, wildlife has been on the rebound with sandhill cranes loud in the clouds and more geese pairing up.  A resident pair have returned to an area where I hike.  Just like last year, they give me some stern honks and hisses as I walk by them but are civil enough to not initiate an all out attack.  Maybe our bird brained feathered friends are smarter than we think.