Happy Earth Day 22nd April

Now, has everyone got their snow all melted yet? Woke up to -4ºC and ice covered the cats' outdoor drinking basin. It didn't look too promising for an Earth Day observation.
Is this only in the U.S. or has the day spread elsewhere?
While mowing, yes, actually riding around part of the sod with soil dry enough to do cutting of last fall's grass, I discovered how these Black Pussy Willows have changed. For a long while the plants which are about a a meter in all directions, had dark red branches and small black pussy willow catkins. I assumed that is all they do until they get their leaves. Then today for the first time I saw these longer, fat catkins ready to bloom out. Little honey bees were fighting over the best spots. The catkins were shining like silver in the setting sun. And the bees are most welcome visitors!
The other regular garden pussy willows are putting out yellow pollen.