A: Extending the Drake equation to other galaxies surely means the odds of their being life of some sort elsewhere in this universe are high. Although we may not be able to contact or even recognise it - a needle in haystack is utterly trivial by comparison (especially if you have a strong magnet and a conveyor belt).
Q.: What signs of spring in the northern hemisphere, or autumn (aka fall) in the southern hemisphere are you seeing? Alternative questions: what small thing brought you joy today?

We are seeing green grass growing and more robins!!
Do you think there will be a government shutdown tonight in the U.S. because of the impasse in budget negotiations?

The Republicans want a cut in the federal deficit of $40bn (Ј24bn). The Democrats made a compromise offer of $34.5bn on Wednesday. The new sticking points are mainly the areas where the Republicans want cuts – abortion programmes and environmental protection – on which the Democrats refuse to give way.
Apart from that, taken from The Guardian newspaper, I would be guessing!
What animals do you see that herald spring where you are? Or, if you don't see critters, what is your favourite ice crea?

Ice cream, that was.

Sav,
I'm not really that knowledgeble about critters, but as far as ice cream goes, I like butter pecan, or any type of CHOCOLATE!

I like critters, as you have probably realized. I took my 'avatar' on the railing of my deck. A Northern Red Squirrel. Tiny but fierce.
No question, Cher?? :) I will ask one anyway, as I sort of answered the critter bit.
If you had the choice, how would you like to travel from one country to another?

It's all the fault of ice cream that I forgot to ask a question!
I LOVE cruising. After you unpack your stuff, eat, drink, be merry, go on shore excursions, and then go to bed. And I don't get seasick, so it is an OK way for met to travel.
Do complete strangers ever get on your nerves (listening to them talk or seeing them drive, etc.)?

I live in such a small town (a village like place to me) that not much happens to upset me. So, I would say no to that question. I think, too, that I cruise along on a different wave length most of the time, no rush to do anything, so possibly this is why nothing much gets in my nerves. Hell, I sound like a paragon!!
Do you have something that you enjoy that you can lose yourself in?

Golf and playing the organ!
Do you feel like spring has arrived in your area of the world/country?

Hello!
Yes, spring has arrived - but that doesn't mean that the snow is all gone yet... it's not. But it's melting fast.
What special food do you make when you have guests or a special occasion?