The first robin, the first osprey, the first daffodil.

All of these parts of our landscape are especially welcome because they signify the end of winter and the start of longer, warmer, and sunnier days.

Of course the first daffodil came and went long ago. The warm winters and early springs of this generation bring the flowers earlier, it seems, than in years gone by. A cold spell in mid-March held some flowers back, however, and we trust there will be some on hand for the Gloucester Daffodil Festival this weekend.

The festival: another welcome sign of spring. Outdoor events are few and far between in the short gray days of January and February. Now we want to venture out to get our Vitamin D the natural way.

Welcome back, Daffodil Festival. We trust Mother Nature will bring you gentle breezes and sunny skies. ...