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Some random thoughts on spring from my office window….
Our first spring rain started this morning before light. I was immediately disheartened as I had enjoyed walking in yesterday’s warm spring sunshine that I had included another walk in today’s agenda. Shame for not being grateful for the moisture followed almost as immediate. Our winter has been mild compared to average and we are lacking in snow pack. Moisture sorely needed the rest of the year. I opened the kitchen door to the porch and stepped out while the coffee was brewing. First light was slowly changing shadowed shapes to recognizable forms. The smell of rain hit me as if Nature herself had slapped my face for my ingratitude.
Standing there in my robe and slippers I breathed deep the aroma, closed my eyes and listened for the morning calls of the birds and the rain drops on the melting snow. It was refreshing, bringing solace away from the world outside this moment. Reopening my eyes, I looked around for the finches I could hear and as usual they were in the spruces and aspens. Continuing to breathe in the rain fresh air I let my mind wander to other signposts of spring.
Looking at the aspens I see that some have swelling buds and others already have catkins open resembling pussy willows. The finches sitting in the trees are singing loudly in spite of the rain. Their plumage is rich and saturated for breeding season. They will surprise me with where they locate their nests in the yard as they do every year.
We had driven into Yellowstone over the weekend more for something to do than for any particular reason. Winter has not loosened its’ grip there. The morning temperatures were below zero and the bison were frosty and steaming in the morning sun as the sun’s warmth melted the frost on the bison coats. We saw bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, wolves and lots of coyotes. The coyotes still in heavy winter fur and just completing their mating season. The wolves have completed theirs and both will be denned in another month to have their pups. The elk and deer will be losing their antlers shortly. Our last trip to the prairie Steve found a newly shed antler with still a little reddish tinge on the severed pedicle point.
Yes, the scent of rain, the sound of the drops, the arrival of garden seeds in the mail, and seeing the first sprigs of green grass on the south facing hillside comforts me. Comfort from the knowledge that nature’s rhythms are still intact in spite of the human world barraging me with its discordance. Spring lives eternal in my mind and heart, its hope of new beginnings is always welcome.
The gurgle of the coffee pot finishing its' brewing reminds me of more mundane realities. I silently give thanks to Nature with an apology for my earlier transgression of ungratefulness and turn reluctantly back to the kitchen.
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