Is it only January 7? Today is another day when our wood stove sits cold, without a fire, during the day, something that usually doesn’t happen until March. The morning sky glows like spring. And here are other signs that spring is almost here.

• An empty chicken roost. The weather is so nice, not a single chicken is indoors.
• Coulette on a nest. I don’t know where she has her coiffure done. It’s practically Gaga-est. She probably sneaks off to Rodeo Drive when we’re not looking. How she’s paying for her coiffure, well, it’s her secret and it would be impolite for me to pry. At least she laid a beautiful egg.
• And a sure sign spring is almost here, fresh chard and spinach greens for lunch.