Inching toward spring

The mail that was storm delayed Thursday arrived late last night. This morning I opened my first package of instructions on how to be a Druid. So far, reading it has been a delightful way to stay warm in the house, drinking coffee while the wind chill continues outside. We’ll see if I get interested enough to try to qualify for official membership at the level of Bard.

Yesterday we took another step toward the warmer seasons. I signed us up for the spring, summer and autumn shares of the Women's Environmental Institute of Amador Hill Community Supported Agriculture [CSA] program. Paying for all three seasons this far in advance truly makes it feel like we’re sharing the risks with the farmers. The only down side of this is I have to eat all my veggies for three seasons. It does work better than trying to grow our own food. I’m much more in the hunter-gatherer mode than a farming one. 

whitetail deer crossing snowy field

Photo by J. Harrington

The weather has been tough enough that this morning we had a pheasant hen feeding on the snow covered ground below the deck feeders. Thats a first in the 25 or so years we’ve lived here. Wild turkeys, yes, but this is the first pheasant visitor. Before the pheasant arrived, a whitetail deer walked across the field behind the house. Since we’re generally past the time of year when bucks shed their antlers, I’m not sure if the deer was buck or doe but, against the stark white background, s/he was really good looking.

There’s enough wind this afternoon to make cleaning the drive quite uncomfortable. Tomorrow is supposed to be both warmer and less windy. Scraping the drive can wait until then. This afternoon can be devoted to learning more about being a Bard.

What We Need Is Here

by Wendell Berry

Geese appear high over us,
pass, and the sky closes. Abandon,
as in love or sleep, holds
them to their way, clear
in the ancient faith: what we need
is here. And we pray, not
for new earth or heaven, but to be
quiet in heart, and in eye,
clear. What we need is here.

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