More Evidence of Spring

The sump pump stopped working yesterday and when J. went down to the basement to investigate, he found this spotted salamander swimming about the drainage hole. Not to sure who was more surprised. During the winter they hibernate underground, usually not seen until breeding season. So we put him/her near the open stream [the pond is still frozen] hoping she/he will be OK. And of course all we can talk about is how the salamander got in and did it hibernate all winter in the basement. I look at it as a lovely signal of the spring to come, the time of growth and renewal, of green; of all the great regenerative qualities I so long for. 

Spotted salamander