Is it Spring?

This lone crocus blooms right in the middle of my backyard every year.

Crocuses in my side flower bed, a little overrun by weeds last year

My neighbor and I have an unofficial spring ritual.  (Okay, he's probably totally unaware of it.)  Every year in early spring there comes a day when he and I both individually determine that it is now safe to use the hose again, following which we both go outside and I start gardening and he starts washing his car.  It's laughable, really.  I'm sure our other neighbors have no need for a groundhog to tell them when spring has started.

Here are some signs that spring is here:

• Birds.  Lots of birds.
• Crocuses blooming around my yard.
• Ants in my kitchen (I always know when the outside temp goes above about 55 F)
• Burpee seed racks in my grocery store!
• Wind-seeded lettuce growing in my grass
  
  
  

  

  Yep, that's lettuce

  

So, is it spring?  Should I be alarmed that I still haven't even started my pepper seeds? 

Well, I'm not ready to turn on the hose just yet...