It's Coming

Spring, that is. 

It seems we are being blessed with an early Spring and I couldn't be happier. The last two winter previous to this one have been so long and so brutal, that I wasn't ready to face it again. 

This morning I ran up to Swords, and paused by the marsh. Even though it's still locked in ice, it is alive with sounds. Red winged blackbirds,  geese,  and the sound of the ice breaking and cracking filled the air. 

Soon, with a rise in temperature, that same air will be filled with the sound of spring peepers. 

I love early spring. Hope, anticipation and so many beautiful things to come.

 

From the Weather Book

It's been a long time since I've updated the weather book.  Truth be told, I've been avoiding it because the end of winter and beginning of spring this year have been so depressing.  Instead of going through each day and reporting on the glum, tedious and repetitive weather, I'm going to make it easy on everyone.

March

It snowed.  It was really cold.  It snowed some more.

It usually looked like this:

April

It snowed.  It was a little warmer.  The ice went out April 29.

It often looked like this:

 

 

 

And now we are all caught up!

Bright, Bright

Today was an absolutely stunningly bright early spring day. 

 

Perfect for strapping on snowshoes (and a baby) and heading out for a hike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early Evening Above the Falls

With the evenings staying lighter, I've managed to escape for a quick hike in the early evening provided we have an early dinner.  The other night I made it out to the river above the falls. 

 

I'm just aching for Spring to come and then we can walk in the evenings as a family.

From the Weather Book

February 1

February 2
Six more weeks of winter!  Afternoon lovely and sunny.

February 3

February 6

February 7
Snow, both light and heavy, all day.


February 9
Milder, with more snow.


February 10
Sunny, -20 in the morning.

February 15
Sun and wind.  Another cold night.

February 16

February 19

February 20
Sunny and warm!

February 21
Rain and snow.  Zero degrees.

February 23

February 27
Back into the deep freeze.

February 28

March 1
Snowy, -10C

March 2

March 4
Light snow.  Still cold.

March 5

New Haunts

I set out for an afternoon snowshoe not knowing where to go.  I had visited all my old haunts recently, and was craving something new. 

 

I went through the swamp and climbed up a small valley.  From there, I just walked through the woods.  The hardwood forest made for easy walking and the sun was making the snow shine and sparkle all around.

 

Eventually I came across a creek bed.  I followed it down to the river above the falls.  I am so glad I found this creek as it serves to add to my knowledge of the geography back there.  I look forward to visiting it in spring, when it is overflowing with melt water.

 

The next time I visit this creek, I will hike up away from the river to find it's source.

 

 

 

 

Onward, Winter

Winter soldiers on. 

 

Yesterday I set out in the blowing cold and snow to visit the falls.  Getting there this time of year can be tricky, and I wouldn't recommend it to someone who hadn't visited in other seasons.  The water is quite high right now, and you never know what lurks beneath the surface of deep snow.  I stick to areas I know are safe, give wide berth to spots I know have water in other times and watch where the bigger animals are making their paths. 

 

It was a rewarding trip, although I am ready to see what Spring will bring.

 

 

Quiet

Early this afternoon I set out in the brilliant blue and sparkling white to hike through the woods to the place we call the second beaver pond.

 

As always, I came out of the forest feeling refreshed and so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic Shoots

When your fresh garlic gets a little old, sometimes a little green shoot will appear in the clove.  Here's something you can do so they don't go to waste.

 

Peel each clove without damaging it.  Place in root side down in a clear glass container.  Be careful to discard any cloves that look like they have started to rot - they will continue to do so in the container.  Add just enough water to cover the root end (no more a few millimetres).  Place in a bright window.  Replenish the water daily.  Soon you will see new root growth and green shoot growth.

 

 

 

 

The shoots are completely edible. The shoots that I grew are quite pungent and sharp. They are  fantastic as a garnish garlic dishes that I want to be even more garlicky or as a milder flavour in salads or any fresh mixture of veggies.