I love when the pits bloom in the spring

Maybe it's my imagination...but sometimes it seems like on the nicest days, the dogs wake up with that "why aren't we out enjoying the weather?" look and then the guilt on my part just builds from there.

Work was set aside so we could enjoy a gorgeous day during which jackets were left behind.

Tiny plants popping up all over and a flock of turkeys taking flight as we started our walk....too quick to snap a picture.

The bird songs finally have come home to the forest and the first insects emerging, the fine lines of spider webs drifting across the trail.

We all paused in wonder at the lake, now completely free of ice.

Domino interrupted our walk many times to dash back and enjoy a cool wade in the lake.

All my cares were soon just forgotten puffs carried off by the wind.

I stopped for long breaks along the way, enjoying the sun, while the dogs backtracked to the water in between their explores.

The forest seemed like it was awake at last even with bare branches still in abundance.

What was green seemed a little more green.

At the top, bird feathers were scattered among the branches and I wondered if some bird had met its demise or merely left tufts of feathers behind.

Looking down from the top, all the trees had that halo that buds bring.

Soaking wet dogs were able to dry off in the sun, though Charm watched as Domino continued to backtrack for a brief dip in the water.

We stopped to check the lilac trees that grow along the top and sure enough, new buds were coming out.

And Charm looked alarmed at the first bees buzzing by her. Though she and Domino were very intent on exploring the cliffs.

I am not sure why they have become so absorbed in rock climbing this year, first it was Domino and now Charm has joined with the rock climbing.

Though Charm enjoys the view more than anything.

Domino kept stopping to see what I was doing perched on the rocks, wondering if I saw anything interesting.

He was very happy to linger a long while, enjoying the warmth and exploring every blade of grass.

It was hard to drag ourselves away from the sun and head home. But we stopped to give Domino some final wading time.

And Charm a chance for one last swim.

While I just enjoyed the miracle of green things appearing again.

The only negative thing from the whole day wasn't until we got home and Domino sat on a yellowjacket in my kitchen...so I had to rescue him. He ended up with a nasty knot on his butt...poor Domino...if there is a bee he will find it.