D.O.P.-T.

First new leaves on a tree (a delicatedly fronded thing outside the Chinese Montessori school). First little mallow leaves in the grass in the backyard. First determined runner-bean leaf from what should be a dead stalk. First rose and first self-sown morning glory flower in the backyard (both pink). And in the park on walkies the dog and I met a chihuahua so tiny I think it might have drowned in a puddle if it had been raining. (They barked furiously at each other.)