Signs of spring

First the crocuses, then the snowdrops and violets pushed their way through the snow. Now daffodils and almond blossom bloom in our garden. The grass seed we sowed in November has come up and promises to make a reasonable lawn. Spring seems more tentative here, creeping up slowly rather than bursting upon us. Forsythia bushes splash yellow here and there along the streets. But the Celestial Mountains glimpsed through the clouds are still heavy with snow and cold winds make us reluctant to abandon our thermals just yet. The rare sunny days are welcome and have us sitting out in our sheltered garden for coffee and bring the people of Bishkek out to the streets and parks.