The gray skies and drizzle are constant reminders that we're in the depths of winter, but my hope for bluer skies is renewed when I spot this little harbinger of spring: the sunshiny-yellow daffodil.

I love that Haggen is always the first in the Seattle area to have cut daffodils. They're in Haggen stores now and I look forward to their smiling bright yellow faces bringing a welcome bit of cheer and a promise of spring (yes, it IS coming!). I like to pick up a few bunches to brighten my home and office desk, and it's fun to offer up a bunch or two to bring a smile to a friend's face. Three 5-stem bunches for $9.99, they're grown in Skagit Valley, Washington and delivered fresh to Haggen stores just after cutting. Pop them into a simple glass vase or old fashioned canning jar, because not only are the yellow flowers striking when they burst open, their stems sport that spring-fresh, new-growth green that is lovely to see especially during this gray time of year. Instant sunshine!