The blooming of crocuses and snowdrops, the sounds of songbirds absent through the winter, sheep barns filled with the cries of newborn lambs, and budding trees eager to begin the season. The distinctive cry of pinkletinks began and then stopped while temperatures plunged again. The days and weeks ahead will bring seasonal fits and starts, a setback or two and then an avalanche of green and the bright blooms of daffodils, lilacs and wild apple.