Through the garden gate, one more color of spring

The skies did spit snow on and off on Thursday, but the azaleas persisted and began opening at what seems a very early date.  In front of the azaleas is a tree peony putting out leaves and buds.   The rhubarb is now 5 inches high and the red edible stems visible. 
On the other hand all this warm weather has produced too many ticks and they love Willow's ruff.  For the squeamish, stop reading now.   I dealt with my first and second blood-engorged ticks yesterday.  Yuck, and again I say yuck.   So lest we forget, there is always a balance in life.