A stretch of several days of above-60 temperatures—definitely ones for the meteorological record books—coupled with abundant rain have, not surprisingly, led to an usual, maybe even unprecedented, botanical growth spurt. Many plants that grow around here are not, of course, easily fooled by warmth in early winter. Instead, they take their main cues from sunlight or, more properly, the photoperiod, which is currently at its lowest ebb. If photoperiod is giving you your marching orders, you're less likely to get hoodwinked and start growing at the wrong time: a mistake with, if winter weather ever actually arrives around here, potentially fatal results. However, these acorns, which have recently put forth roots, are hardy enough that attempting to grow early will not prove a lethal error in judgement, particularly if they also wind up buried under leaves. The untimely growth spurt is just giving the wannabe oaks a jump start on spring... complete with a pause button should frigid temperatures and snow descend.