This morning began as only the best of February mornings do. A slice of pink sunrise illuminated the tallest hardwoods. Across the hollow, at the crest of the hill, sunshine slowly descended to the field below the house, finally igniting hoarfrost on lofty branch tips along the creek. White willow and other softwoods stood motionless in the burgeoning light.
The chickens and guineas raised a cacophony when I stepped outside to let Leo and Max do their business. As I walked up through the woods, I glanced where I knew no little green shoots would yet be poking through. Wishful thinking.
Soon, though. Soon…
Birds sang as if it were a spring morning. It reminded me of my mother in law, well into her waning years, sitting at our dining room table one spring day. She gazed through the windows at newly emerged leaves on the maples and cherries, and made a comment about how sunshine can make you feel good, no matter what.
Yes. The truth, whether you’re eight or eighty.
Onward to the chicken report. Sadly, Rosie-chicken died a couple of months ago. No visible signs of trauma. She just keeled over some time through the night. That leaves us with our little flock of six. Four chickens and two guineas.
They all like to hang out along the house foundation on cold days, where they can scratch dirt and swipe heat. The pics were taken a few days ago when it was still frigid.
Today, it was 61F when I left work. A cold front was blowing in, and the temp had dropped down to 49F by the time I got home. Still… That’s a heatwave. 😉
Over the weekend, we saw that the maple sap buckets were out along Iron Bridge Road. A sure sign of warmer days to come.
It’s rained on and off this evening. There’s still ice on the (very long) dirt lane. Groundhog day continues for us–nearly the same day after day. Even so, we are blessed. I’m not complaining, just saying… 🙂 Life is a gift.
Have you seen any signs of spring in your neck of the woods?
See you in March!
Country meanderings and reflections 