I seem to need Snow as a catalyst to appreciate Spring. Combined with the increasing warmth of the Sun the phenomenon of this wondrous season zings to the forefront of my brain.
To sit on a day such as this listening to the water dripping off the eave into the snow; watching as these tiny droplets form wondrous deep caverns that when photographed (above) take on unbelievable structures taking one’s mind’s eye into the realms of fantasy.
Our Ravens are nesting - coming often to the compost diner as a couple to share in the recently tossed banquet. Talking raucously between themselves one can’t help but listen in on their conversation. As tall tree dwellers these two have been nesting in the ancient spruce about the yard for many years. Thus becoming quite nonchalant about us humans when we sit out in their space. We would feel lonely without their presence about the yard.
What is interesting is that on this the mildest of winters we have burnt the most wood ever for a winter - as have many I speak to - a thick layer of snow obviously has a better thermal blanket than the so called mild. Our wood is very low this year. How fast 5 bush cords can burn on a cold winter. Fortunately we have a back-up bush cord near the pond. The positive flip side this allows room for a summer fold out chair allowing one to sit comfortably and dry while soaking up the sun rays on a day such as this. 
Needless to say you can close your eyes and have the same feel as sitting on a beach in the summer. The contained heat and reflected light from the snow is a similar rich warmth.
Quite easy to get company for the same heat/dry reasons. Geeko has a way of turning up no matter where you go - definitely a people dog. The paths which we keep clear all winter dry out quickly - a definite plus at this time of year. Wood gets done first thing in the morning while the night’s frost is hard making pushing the wheelbarrow much easier.
By noon; wet foot prints show up readily and one hopes the world dries smoothly. This is Geeko’s big print. I am glad they don't show up all through the house. Tom took a photo of fresh coon tracks in a whisp of snow on the drive a few days back. We don’t usually have coons visit - they prefer the lush pickings of garbage day in town - perhaps it was passing through.
Even the dog seems to squint looking at the way too bright snow. The soft snow melts s at different rates as the layers of recent snows have individual compaction. You can actually see by the striation lines on the old freezer which will be painted later this year and become a raised garden box.
We all agree that another of the wonderful spring things is the smells on the air - being fortunate to live in an area with no near neighbors our subtle changes bring scents totally created by Gaia. Spring has a wonderful combination of the freshest smells ever - no company will ever be able to duplicate even a tinge of it. Those ghastly toxic chemical laden air fresheners the world seems to think safe make me so sick - imagine I could never even buy a house where one had been used as the oil penetrates so deeply it never leaves. Imagine wanting to make one's house that toxic and allowing children and pet let alone themselves to be in it on a daily basis - I shudder at the thought. .
With scents on the air Geeko often gets led astray. As the day progresses the snow softens and wading through it becomes quite hard.
One minute he’s there - the next gone! He is a woods wimp and always returns quickly plus the deep snow wears him out.
If you look over to the hill to the east of the cabin you will notice the trees have started to well. This is a sure sign the sap has started to move. If this were a maple syrup year we’d be tapping trees.
There is no wind in the trees at the house level BUT the large pines at the top are swaying and making a delicious March south-west wind songs. Aren’t telephoto lenses wonderful! The photo below is the middle evergreen and I didn't move an inch.
When the dog gets pack he is content to lie in the snow and cool off - he often rolls about or sticks his nose deep inside to collect spring smells from below. Sometimes he gets quite excited and starts to dig frantically - perhaps a mouse ran down it’s winter trail? At other times he is content like me to just enjoy the sun with his eyes almost closed - with the heat making him sleepy.
Talk about cerulean blue cloudless sky - the few remaining white oak leaves look stark against the sky. The only other leaves which are even more tenacious are on the beech . I often collect those at this time of year to make a mild astringent face water for summers oilier skin days.
Giving my new Cannon Elph a good run through today - I am so pleased with the colour , crispness and ease of use.
Our well was covered with snow earlier today - now it has melted and this beautiful thriving clump of moss - so many bits of new life are lovely surprises on a day such as this.
I also noticed fresh clumps of Johnny-Jump-Up leaves ready to start growing. Guess the crocii along the toe of the ridge will in bloom soon also.
The macro on this wee camera is down to 1.25 “ if I remember correctly - being one of those who relishes the instant gratification of digital photography it is making my greed for speed corner quite smiley with its ability to respond well to all the tasks I set out today.
I will leave you with this shot of a second of the fabulous ice lace edge along the path as I walked back to the house. Such a glorious time of renewal swirling all about. My heart sings along with the rhythm of the arrival of Spring. My primordial clock is being reset with the pure clean sunshine - the fresh breeze blows the cobwebs from my brain and thoughts of many things crowd in - each vying to be the top of my to - do list.
Bright Blessings
Sharon
Life is Good!
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing your wonderful spring day. I could almost "hear" the sounds you describe. :)
Sandra
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