Saturday, April 27, 2013

Mud and Stuff

Finally a lovely spring day.

The marshy area in the lower feild is full of water and pussy willows.  The spring peepers are calling from the other side of the upper field.






Thursday, April 25, 2013

Go Home, Mother Nature...

...you are drunk.
 
It snowed last night.  It's snowing again as I write this.

 
 
 
In early spring, I had patience for the cold, snowy weather while those around me moaned and complained, but my patience is now wearing thin.  I am ready for warm temperatures!  Gentle breezes!  Open windows!
 
I feel like I should be gearing up for Christmas with the weather that we are having. The only hints of spring are in the bulbs coming up, some early perennial growth, fat buds on some trees and, of course, puddles.
 
 


 
I keep telling myself that when the warmer weather does arrive, I will appreciate all that much more..but when will that be?!





Monday, April 22, 2013

From the Weather Book

April 1
- rain overnight
- plenty of snow during the day

April 3
- cold and windy



April 4
- rain and snow

April 5
- snow

April 8
- rain

April 10
- water up
- rain

April 12
- SNOW

April 13
- snow all day

April 14
- finally some sunshine

 

 


April 20
- SNOW
- -5C in morning
- cold wind

April 22
- sunny
- 13 C in the afternoon

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Change

Now that the temperatures are consistently above zero, we can see REAL changes start.
 
The lake is blackening, robins are singing and the snow continues to melt.  Soon, the fields will begin to green, amphibians will be active - spring peepers will start calling and the roadsides will be studded with turtles on the move, and the first leaves on trees will pop.
 
This time last year, daffodils were already in bloom.  Not so this year, but very good things come to those who wait.  Anticipation can make the reward that much more sweet, and the lush, green spring and early summer that is coming will be sweet indeed.
 
 

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

MINE

My son Henry has very recently internalized the concept of "mine", and he often walks around the house holding a favourite toy saying "mine, miiine" over and over again.  This is, of course a normal part of toddler development, and an opportunity to teach about mine, yours and sharing, but it also reminds me of the way I feel about Swords.
 
 
 
I woke up the other morning with a desire to visit "my" Swords.  Now, I know there are many people in the area and beyond that can lay more claim to it than I, but I still feel a strong connection.  I feel drawn to the place, and when I see footprints or evidence of other people at the site, I think "no! Mine!".  Just like Henry and his toys.
 
 
 
This time last year my interest in Swords was just beginning to spark.  With the snow melting, my desire to be up there has returned. My goal this year is to find out more about the personal stories of Swords.  When I look up at he windows in the old store, I can feel the lives that have gone before.  There is a strong presence  there.
 
 
 
Our neighbour has many things to share with me, and we spoke at Christmas about getting together sometime to chat.  I think I'll have to pay a visit soon.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Not Complaining.

While the temperatures we have been experiencing so far this spring are still in the realm of normal, I will admit that the weather has been somewhat of a tough pill to swallow. 
 
I'm not complaining, though.
 
We had snow last night and again this morning.  The ice still booms on the lake through the night - not because it's breaking up, but because it's still forming.  We have had temperatures well below 0 overnight during the past week.  The lake has shown no signs of melting ice yet.
 
We have lost a significant amount of snow, due to rain and some warmer daytime temperatures, but much still remains.
 
I'm not complaining.
 
Hopefully one day soon, we will wake up to the robins singing, and the first green shoot emerging from the earth.  That day is not today, and probably not tomorrow...or the next.

Still not complaining.