So you'll forgive me if I am looking forward to spring.
One day last week, I was outside sweeping the front walk - the snow drifts had melted enough that I could again use the front door rather than having to go through my garage. I was surveying the shrubs, looking for damage from the ice and snow, when something caught my e
ye.It was unmistakably the stem and leaves of a daffodil plant. I poked around in the mulch and saw the shoots of some tulips bulbs. An involuntary giggle escaped from my lips. I grinned to myself as I saw tangible, concrete evidence that the worst winter on record would, in fact, end.
Over the weekend, unseasonably warm temperatures melted almost all of the remaining snowpack. Signs of spring were appearing in more and more places. I walked the dog without needing gloves and earmuffs. I went on a hike with my daughter. I contemplated wearing sandals!
The local ice cream shop opened and on Sunday it was so
warm and sunny out we had ice cream before dinner (sorry Michael Pollan).The weather is supposed to turn dreary again this weekend. But I don't despair. This recent respite from winter was all I needed to face the rema
inder of March. Until then I will be anticipating daffodils.
I noticed the first daffodils coming through last week too. And here in NC, the cherry blossoms are blooming! Fall used to be my favorite time of year, but after this unending winter, nothing is better than spring.
ReplyDeleteHow nice to read this report on the first signs of spring. Thank you for reminding us that winter does have an end, and may many daff shoots be spotted from here on out.
ReplyDeleteYes, summer is definitely on its way to Florida too - the rain has started in earnest here today.
ReplyDeleteAt the first sign of my favorite flower, I always google this poem by Wordsworth.
ReplyDeleteI wander'd lonely as as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils,
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.
Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of the bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee: --
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company!
I gazed, and gazed, but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought.
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.
Wide Open Spaces, with your photo of the emerging daffodils and Suzanne Arden, with your post of Wordsworth's beloved poem, you have captured the very essence of Spring!
ReplyDeleteSome years ago while visiting the Lake District, I made a pilgrimage to the actual site of the daffodil field. Although the flowers had long since bloomed, I imagined seeing "a host of golden daffodils" just as Wordsworth had.