Signs of the seasons' magic

Well, today's forecast of snow showers has been accurate. We hope that bodes well for the accuracy of the thaw forecast for the weekend. Beginning over the upcoming weekend, and continuing through midweek next, daily highs are forecast to reach above freezing and maybe even to 40℉. There was a February thaw a few years ago. It left local fields looking like the photo below, since the still frozen ground couldn't absorb the water:

February thaw, puddled field

Photo by J. Harrington

Not only are we anxious to put all signs of this year's polar vortex behind us, we're also really looking forward to the return of waterfowl, geese, ducks, cranes and shorebirds. Most years that occurs about a month from now, but some years even earlier. We are rapidly approaching the time when the sun's warmth daily overpowers what's left of winter's snow-covered, frozen country and spring will soon emerge.

During the depths of winter we saw few, if any, purple finches at the feeders. These days there are a number of them. We see more dead oak leaves on the ground as the leaf buds swell under marcescent leaves, loosening the stems, making way for this year's growth. After all, it's only 30 days until Spring Equinox, and two weeks later it will be Easter, for those who observe that feast. We're not yet ready to pack away our sweaters and parkas. This is the North Country, where it's been known to snow every month except one. We are, though, ready to try on some Spring finery, even if we don't yet get to wear it on a daily basis. If you're not familiar with it, see if you can find a copy of George Winston's Winter Into Spring and play it. It's magical!

To One Coming North

By Claude McKay

At first you'll joy to see the playful snow, 

  Like white moths trembling on the tropic air, 

Or waters of the hills that softly flow 

  Gracefully falling down a shining stair.

 

And when the fields and streets are covered white 

  And the wind-worried void is chilly, raw, 

Or underneath a spell of heat and light 

  The cheerless frozen spots begin to thaw,

 

Like me you'll long for home, where birds' glad song 

  Means flowering lanes and leas and spaces dry, 

And tender thoughts and feelings fine and strong, 

  Beneath a vivid silver-flecked blue sky.

 

But oh! more than the changeless southern isles, 

  When Spring has shed upon the earth her charm, 

You'll love the Northland wreathed in golden smiles 

  By the miraculous sun turned glad and warm.

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