It's still chilly in Chicago, but spring has arrived in the KJ southern annex.

Last week Dr. Surly wrote to us: "The yard turned purple this morning. Either spring has sprung, or the orange juice has gone bad." I laughed until I cried, but it is true. About the yard, anyway.

It sure is a big yard. Here is E. contemplating the property, looking Heathcliffian, or perhaps Byronic.

We met one of the neighbors, a lovely man who used to be a farmer. He and his wife once raised a deer for a while. I wonder what he would make of this implement, currently gathering moss.

The yard was littered--littered! with these crazy things. I love spring, I'm telling you.