It wasn't that long ago when I asked if the change of seasons was a gift from God and something you enjoyed. I think it was November and several of the responses enthusiastically anticipated the Winter that never really arrived. Now we are a few days from the official beginning of Spring.
We were away for the weekend, visiting long-time friends whose farm in about an hour and a half north of Kingston. When we arrived Friday evening they were weary because of a slight miscalculation. They figured their ram's hard work would pay off in the form of lambs through this week. But on Friday ten entered this life a few days ahead of schedule, with the ewes doing the work now. Our daughter Emily joined us for the weekend and was delighted to hold a lamb only a few hours old.
There were other signs of Spring. Red-winged blackbirds were calling from the edge of the river which runs through their property. Ruth and Emily went out with Ellen to collect eggs which the chickens stop laying for a couple of months in the gloomiest part of Winter. And we went down the road to a neighbour who has one of the largest maple syrup operations in Ontario. The mild weather has meant an early start and long days for the owners. We bought syrup which came directly from the vat pictured above.
Spring always makes me feel more hopeful and I am grateful to the Creator for the evidence of renewed life. Even though Lent is a sombre season in the Christian year the name Lent refers to lengthening days, which I love.
What are the signs that tell you Spring has sprung?
I mourn the winter this time of year, as my beloved outdoor rink on O'Connor has been shut down for the year. (Shakes fist.)
ReplyDeleteThen again, I am writing from at the start of my fourth day of March Break, so it's not all THAT bad ...
I know that spring is around the corner when, yet again, the Maple Leafs are out of contention for the playoffs. I really like spring.
ReplyDeleteAbout 10 days ago, my sister and I took a walk around her yards and saw new buds on the transplanted lilac bushes, the red buds of the peonies bursting forth, the flashes and songs of the cardinals playing in her backyard, the silken buds of the pussy willows. Spring means the warmer days, the changing of the clocks, children not wanting to wear winter coats or hats or mitts, the first sighting of robins, and the cheery singing of the returning songbirds when you step outside. I have enjoyed our winter but I am so ready to enjoy the season of spring and to be able to get outside and work in the dirt with plants and seeds and to feel the sun on my arms and face.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I applaud your efforts and welcome you to my back yard ANYTIME.
ReplyDeleteDavid, there's ALWAYS next season.
(Fade out, Pete Seeger's "We Shall Ovecome" playing softly in the background.)
Sorry ... that 'next season' comment should be directed at johnny. My bad.
ReplyDeleteWe don't quite have buds on the trees yet, but the weather is getting warmer. The snow and ice are finally off the roads and the boys have their bikes out. It's also nice to have the pink rays of the sunrise coming in the window as I'm getting out of bed instead of as I'm driving off to work.
ReplyDeleteA BEAUTIFUL TIME OF YEAR;
ReplyDelete-THE BULBS IN THE GARDEN ARE PERKING THROUGH THE EARTH
-A FOX EMERGED FROM ITS DEN ,DOWN BY THE LAKE ON A LOVELY SUNNY DAY THAT CAUSED THE DOGS TO RACE WITH ENTHUSISM-
-NEIGHBOURS HAVE STARTED THE ANNUAL SPRING CLEAN UP
-JOAN AND I WERE ABLE TO SIT OUT ON THE PADIO IN THE SUN TODAY AT FOSTERBROOK
-THE GRANDKIDS ON SPRING BREAK AND ON VACATION
-DAY LIGHT SAVING AND LONGER EVENINGS
-WATCHING THE BUDS ON THE TREES BURST FORTH
-GENERALLY PEOPLE SEEM IN IMPROVED SPIRITS AS THEY START TO MOVE ABOUT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
-CLEANING THE GRIME OF THE WINDOWS
This from Bill as an email:
SPRING USUALLY IS A TIME FOR US TO RENEW OURSELVES AND REJOICE IN WHAT IS REALY A WONDEREFUL WORLD WE LIVE IN.WE ARE NOT WITHOUT CHALLENGE BUT WE MUST BE IN AWE OF THE CREATION OF IT ALL. IT ALL SEEMS TO BE A MIRICLE AND IT IS MY GUESS IT IS.
Umm - Ian - just exactly what kind of gardening work does your backyard need? :)
ReplyDeleteI am just getting caught up after having been away for Spring Break!! We saw spring in full swing in Washington D.C. Our last three days there, we were without fleece sweaters and wearing short sleeves, we even have sunburned faces! By this weekend, the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. A true sign of spring, is that "lovely" smell in the air. It's every where right now, even here. As the fields dry out and farmers start to prepare them for sowing seeds, that "fresh" smell reminds us that Spring is near!
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