Two evenings in a row without a wood fire! Spring really must be here. A week ago I was fretting about the dwindling pile, and now I wonder how much will be left in the basement for next fall. Stove season certainly isn't over: I usually keep the woodbox filled into June, when we still get an occasional chill evening. But the nightly ritual of fire lighting has passed.

I did get my flowerpots filled yesterday, and this afternoon, if I can do some weeding in the tulip beds, I'll feel ready for the weekend rains. I might even have to drag the mower out today: the little front-yard grass patch is growing fast. But I do have desk work as well--a poetry collection to edit, more festival prep, and I need to turn my thoughts back to conference plans. By the way, if you're at all interested in attending the conference, you should register immediately because we are nearly at capacity. I am excited about the steady interest; I'm really excited about the summer's focus and faculty; I would so love to see you there, gazing with me into the waters of that heart-stopping lake.