I think I'd decided to be in one of those moods even before I opened my eyes.

Just felt appropriate. I needed a day to feel sad and think about things and whatever else I wanted to do to sulk.

Today won't let me. And I thank the day for it. I'm grinning, feeling an extra bounce in my step. Laughing. A lot. Giving compliments away freely, delighted to find myself receiving even more.

And I was able to finally blare some Josh Ritter today.

See, I'd been waiting for months to blare a certain song and really feel the words.

Patience was required. I'm not good at being patient. But I held off.

Until today. I cranked up the volume, lowered the windows and kept the percussive beat on my steering wheel.

I'm not walking around in short sleeves and sandals - like SOME PEOPLE in this town are - but I certainly understand why Burlington has scrambled to shed its winter skin as quickly as humanly possible, having grown cranky and antsy to load the bulky layers into trunks and storage space.

We know that the temperature is expected to dip back down in a few days, but these last few days have been a step in the right direction. And today, amid the skirts, capris and, I'm not joking, tank tops visible along Church Street, I've been delighted with the appearance of outdoor seating, street vendors and even more of the buskers I enjoy so much in warmer weather.

Screw the lack of budding trees! The rally cry ignores that the grass is more brown-green than green-brown! Spring! Spring! Spring! We're free!

If you have this song, I recommend playing it nice and loud. If you don't have it, I recommend getting it. And then playing it nice and loud. You'll feel glorious and like a brand new person.

Well, not a brand new person, but a whole lot better.

Snow Is Gone

Birds beneath my window dustying their wings upon the lawn
I hear them in the morning light giving last amen to a migratory song
They’re never looking round for me — their eyes are on the sky or the ground below
But I’d rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know

Hello blackbird, hello starling
Winter’s over, be my darling
It’s been a long time coming
but now the snow is gone

You were beautiful when I first saw your feathers and confectionery airs
Like the earth it up and promised you the stars but you really didn’t care
I sang in exultation pulled the stops — you always looked a little bored
But I’m singing for the love of it — have mercy on the man who sings to be adored

Hello blackbird, hello starling
Winter’s over, be my darling
It’s been a long time coming
but now the snow is gone

I’m underneath your window now — it’s long after the birds have gone to roost
and I’m not sure if I’m singing for the love of it or for the love of you
But I’ve flown a long way, honey, hear my confession then I’ll go
I’d rather be the one who loves than to be loved and never even know

Hello brown one, hello blue one
Last night’s feathers exchanged for new ones
Hello blackbird, hello starling
Winter’s over, be my darling
It’s been a long time coming
but now the snow is gone