If you look closely at the horizon in this photo you'll see a line of open water. When the lake starts thawing, spring is on its way. Not right away, not even when the calendar says it's spring, but we Michiganders know the signs. It won't be long before ocean-going freighters and lakers will be making their way between the channel buoys where you see open water. The Coast Guard icebreaker has already started clearing a path. Yes, we'll be seeing snow for at least another month, but the robins and bluebirds have returned, and all the birds are starting to sing in full voice again. I heard the cardinal's distinctive, "Rilke, Rilke, Rilke!" earlier today. Humans also show signs of unthawing. Whenever the roads are clear of snow and ice, they're out there roller-blading. Last Sunday I even saw a couple of runners dressed in shorts and t-shirts! They may have been pushing the season a bit, but it was a lovely, sunny day with temperatures above 40 F/4.4 C. The buds on the trees seem to be getting fatter, and it doesn't get dark until 6:30 p.m. EST. Oh yes, March is here and spring is not far behind.