The outstretched straw-colored fields pushed against the swollen pond whose overflow like a ribbon ran across the open land scarring its surface.

Coniferous, once center stage in a winter of white, is forced aside by buds on fingers and arms of hopeful deciduous striving to meet spring’s promise. Tucked in their shaded background, tail-end snow lingered.

Winter’s wind, unwilling to decease, lays a white veil hardened by s...