Many (most?) of our feathered neighbors become “snow birds” and migrate south during ice and snow season, only to return “home” with spring thaw. Today we saw a number of these prodigals as we were traveling around taking care of errands. The first pair of sandhill cranes appeared in a pasture across the road from a local sheep farm. Several pair of Canada geese floated on several different local ponds. A pair of low flying swans managed to startle me early today as they passed behind us [the dogs and I] and started honking. A different swan almost caused several vehicle crashes as s/he walked/flapped along a local highway centerline. More and more robins are flitting about treetops. Abundant life is returning to the North Country. Soon we may even see fresh blades of grass.
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| how long ’til pastures green up?
Photo by J. Harrington
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This has been about the gentlest winter in the five+ decades I’ve lived here, but that doesn’t bring the equinox or solstice any quicker. Seasonal change is part of life in the temperate zone and toning down the extremes reduces winter’s pains, at least for many humans. But others have missed some skiing, ice fishing, and other outdoor winter activities. Now it’s time to enjoy freeze-free activities for six or eight months,, remembering that in Minnesota, there’s only one month of the year in which it hasn’t snowed.
A Blessing
Just off the highway to Rochester, Minnesota, Twilight bounds softly forth on the grass. And the eyes of those two Indian ponies Darken with kindness. They have come gladly out of the willows To welcome my friend and me. We step over the barbed wire into the pasture Where they have been grazing all day, alone. They ripple tensely, they can hardly contain their happiness That we have come. They bow shyly as wet swans. They love each other. There is no loneliness like theirs. At home once more, They begin munching the young tufts of spring in the darkness. I would like to hold the slenderer one in my arms, For she has walked over to me And nuzzled my left hand. She is black and white, Her mane falls wild on her forehead, And the light breeze moves me to caress her long ear That is delicate as the skin over a girl’s wrist. Suddenly I realize That if I stepped out of my body I would break Into blossom.
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Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.
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