Magnificient Morning in Hartsville, South Carolina

Wish I could say I was up with the crack of dawn but I have learned a new skill, rolling over and nodding back to sleep. But, today, as those eyes kept closed a bird began a refrain -- puffer get your out of bed.
I did. Thanks bird!
As I walked down the road Tom was just getting his paper, already enjoying a cup of coffee and the antics of two of his dogs as they greeted the new day. Both of us were being treated to the songs of Spring coming from a few of the trees around the neighborhood.
As I started down PowerLine Road the light show that was the morning sun breaking the horizon through the textured cloud cover was like being welcome to one of the world's most majestic catherdrals. (you guys would have recognized the clouds from Jana's sunset photos the other day.)
As the sun's power rays lit up specific paths and trees, squirrels and birds there was a choir of flocking birds reminding the world of the gift we are given every day. Less than a mile later a single feathered create was chanting Come (caw)Come (caw) Come (caw) as if in a call to prayer. Nearly at the same time cars were driving into parking lots at chruches around the town as some special Saturday morning activity seemed about to start.
The sun rose, the clouds thinned and as the four miles were nearly over a giant tree next to Coker's new LIT Center seemed to come alive with song as hundreds of robins and sparrows were scattered among the branches singing about this Magnificient Morning in Hartsville and calling more people to join in the celebration of this new day.
The first day of Spring may officially be in March but the arrival of all the new winged visitors this morning, the brisk morning breeze and brilliant blue-cloud shrouded sky says February 16 was the first day of Hartsville's Spring.
I am still sweating a bit though this morning walk as not all that strenuous. It was a tremendous way to begin this day and while I may wish I were still a runner, the walking pace allowed me to enjoy the cathedral of a mafnificient Hartsville morning that probably would not have been the case had I been going for a seven or eight minute a mile pace. See, there are some benefits to the experience that comes with the years.