Near record high temperatures in the mid eighties started the spring like weather week off.  Overcast skies were prevalent in the mornings and bright sunshine in the afternoons.  The lawn was slow to dry.  Flower beds are a couple of days from being dry enough to work the soil.  Large containers of winter flowers needed irrigation.  Leaf buds are swelling on cherry bark oaks and bald cypress trees are in bloom.  Winter weeds are blooming profusely and it’s past time for herbicide applications.  No lawn fertilizer for at least another month when the grass may begin to grow.  Lots of wild birds are at the feeding table.