Jim Stahr has a Different Year

 I've mixed feelings about zoos .  The best habitats  remain artificial.  In urban areas like Providence, RI  a zoo has wonderful education possibilities .  Yet I found myself more enamored  with natives  than the captives. But those animals are often remnants of an endangered species paired in hope of survival . Some of the animals are rescues unable to survive the wild .  Wetland preservation on the Zoo grounds  helps local flora and fauna, including humans. Such is a zoo's paradox .

 March is a gambler's delight.  This time last year my yard was sleeping under winter's white blanket.  This year the daffodils are opening and the crocuses are peaked. The insects and spiders are on the prowl.  On my walks I've noticed tree buds already obscuring my view of nests.  My neighbors with lawns are raking while my perennials push through last autumn's leaves.  This early warmth has improved my mood immensely. ...

I'm not quite ready to scale the steep path  to the scenic overlook at  Old Furnace State Park .  I'll get there again, but for now  I'll take my comfort from watching the spring thaw  as the cascades rush to meet me.