We had a normal amount of rain this week.  Soil is quite moist, though I'm finding the garden workable.  Bird sounds have increased markedly since the robins returned, and so have the swallows, and I saw a flicker yesterday.  Bugs have also increased, and the chipmunk has awakened and is trying to steal chicken feed, and the barn cats are plotting his demise. Big leaf maple buds have burst, and I expect maple pollen all over everything this coming week. The pear tree may be beginning to bloom, but I don't see blooms on the bitter cherries yet.  Shephards' purse is nearly full size - if I hunt, I may find some blossoms.  The creek is pretty low. Skunk cabbage is in bloom. The work crew installing fiber optic in the neighborhood has been working away steadily.  For the most part, the weather has been pleasant, even a bit on the warm side, and people have been enjoying outdoor activiies.  The blackberry vines now have nearly full size new leaves, and will shortly be running all over everything again.  It has been somewhat easier to get around in the forest, but undergrowth looks set to explode in growth this week.  Fire danger has been low.  Horsetails (Equisetum) have sent up their reproductive stems, and they are shedding spores now even though they are only a few inches tall.  Today looks to be an enjoyable day for baseball, spring soccer, and Easter egg hunts.