Saturday I had my first good walk of the year, out to the arboretum. This time of year isn't the most beautiful, but I love it a lot more than some. Imbolc, Candlemas, Groundhog Day. It's a time when the very first buds of spring emerge among the decaying remains of the year before. There is no death, because there hasn't been enough time for anything to die. It is a thin, fragile moment.