Longing for Spring

I can't seem to help it.  Ever since those few glorious 60-degree days this month,  I can't get spring off my mind. I feel like these pansies ~ with face to the sun, patiently waiting for warmer days.  

image from here   The other day while walking the dog, I saw a few dandelions blooming ~ in the middle of January ~ brave souls.  

 image via here    Oh well ~ now that the January thaw is past, it's time to hunker down for the next six weeks of winter.  Spring is just a few calendar pages away.  In the meantime ~ stay warm.  ~ Giving thanks today for 60 degree days in the middle of winter, cheerful pansies, and brave sun shiny yellow dandelions.