Our changing weather

A bit more than a month ago - in February - we were blanketed by a huge snowstorm that raced through the area. You can see the snow landing on Spirit's back (the black lab). Both the dogs love the snow. They are true throwbacks to their Labrador heritage where dogs of this breed hauled sleds around that land-based part of the province Newfoundland (the island) and Labrador. They brought supplies, mail and much needed human companionship to the outports.

The aftermath this particular storm was a circus-full of delight for these two - Bliss as you can see, has been diving head first into the deep snow, chasing mice or moles that build networks and mouse highways under the chilly cover, to easily race from nest to food supply and back.

But then Spring decided to show up...in fits and starts, thaw-freeze-thaw-freeze cycles that for a gardener like me are frustrating. Now, I'm an amateur when it comes to taking care of the flowers and plants that surround my place...but when I see the tulips bursting through the ground then covered with snow, I worry, forgetting that these hardy bulbs will have a marvelous display without my fretting about it.

This - daffodil and tulip bulbs covered once again by two to three inches of snow from squalls that have raced through here in the past few days, making it forbidding to head out for even the shortest of walks,

will become this:












or this below:

We are so very fortunate to live in a place of constant change. Sometimes cold and harsh, sometimes wet, sometimes too hot, but mostly interesting and different, each day usually a change from the one before.

A major concern about weather these days, is climate change. Here last year, it meant no real winter, no snow, spring, no apple crop for our area, difficulties in getting water, a decline in nuts and other necessary foods for wildlife to have a survivable winter these past few months. The Great Lakes declined and broad expanses of beach appeared in some places, channels where large keel-boats used to pass easily became way too shallow for anything but canoes or flat bottomed barges. Other areas of the country experienced huge floods, hurricane-like winds and other changes that affect humans, wildlife and growing seasons alike.

Around the world there is concern about climate change...not so much within the Canadian federal government, but that too could change as all things do

May you experience a truly delightful day. The sun is shining here. If it's rain you need may you get just enough, if it's sun, may you enjoy a day with it warming your skin. Spring here, fall in the southern hemisphere... don't you love the changes?

Cooler weather and the birds are back

I took this video because all these little birds are just a few of those that flew off my deck railings where I've strewn more seed on this chilly spring day. Unlike the previous two or three weeks, our "summer" heat has disappeared and we have traditional March temperatures - well perhaps a bit above normal, but not summer like.

Today there are showers and the grass is emerald, almost glowing against the grey skies, and the little American goldfinches are just beginning to turn colour - those males that are going to breed or hopefully breed this spring. Robins have been calling their cheerful rain song and hoping for a mate, one is even carrying nesting material into the huge blue spruce that hangs over the driveshed. At least one pair of house finches and a flycatcher appear to have decided this tree is perfect for them as well. It's like a condo complex - multi-storied with many different kinds of birds making homes in its branches at the upper levels. Some go deep into the inner branches and the hummers when they return will find spots to make nests as well.

It's a cool day, but reassuring that we won't be completely dried out by the time June arrives. Hope you enjoy your day wherever you are.

Spring beauty

Fields of flowers

One of the phrases that has always rung in my head over the years is "a host, of golden daffodils."

This is from, as you probably know, William Wordsworth's most famous poem "I wandered lonely as a cloud..." penned in 1802.

A romantic poem, all the words speak to walking about in nature and enjoying the many different little things that can so often go unnoticed by our busy minds.

So naturally when I came upon this group of one of my very favourite flowers, I was moved to photograph them. They are from the abandoned homestead I wrote about a couple of weeks ago, where only a foundation and remnants of lives once lived still exist - along with a host of daffodils planted long ago by some pioneer farm wife, perhaps to remind her of her original home in England?

Something to ponder.

This old house

The hole in the ground -basement or root cellar - and an old fridge or cupboard just seen through the lilac bushes that have grown around the edges of the foundation, is all that's left of this old house.

Built way back from the road - it must have been constructed by Scots who moved to this country back in the 1800s. You can see farms formerly owned by them with the houses and barns constructed in the centre of the property. This meant they didn't have to cross so much land to reach the edges - more efficient.

These pieces of split rail cover a dug well, close to the old foundation.

But notice the bluey-purple in the background?

There are patches of it all around the homestead.

I've spent the past hour looking through my wildflower field guides to try to figure out these flowers. They are either blue-eyed grass or bluets gone wild... or maybe even hyacinth gone wild. Maybe one of you may know? I'd love to be certain.

Nevertheless, they make a carpet of blue and are simply glorious, particularly in the sun.

They seem to spread everywhere, bursting through the winter-dried grasses and reflecting the sky when the sun is out.

And then there are the daffodils. Clumps of them ready to pop open and say "Hello world here we are."

When I first came upon this spot, walking the dogs of course, I couldn't believe it. Someone had taken the time many years ago, to plant a beautiful garden.

The property was sold I guess. Certainly the house was abandoned - I see way too many houses and barns abandoned reminding me that small family farming is a difficult way to eke out a living.

But nature has preserved the memory of the family that lived here in the remnants of a garden. It's gone wild and spread beyond its borders, but still enchants to this day. The day lilies too remain, and though just inches out of the ground now, in a month or two will offer their gorgeous orange cups to the sun.

Poignant. Missing what has been lost.

That's how I often feel when I see an abandoned house, barn or secret garden such as this. I wonder what it was like to live in this rugged country when there was a home built here, with a fire in an old iron cook stove sending smoke up the brick chimney and warming the small house.

The various histories in the world, big and small, but often the most intimate and smallest - such as the story of the family who lived on this property once upon a time - intrigue me and let me drift to a simpler time.

May your day be filled with gardens, dreams and wonderful memories.

Spring signs in my gardens

This morning these shoots were rising in my gardens - crocus, tulips and daffodils. They'll be slow getting to blooming stage because it's so cool. But what welcome sights they are.

Hope you enjoy a day filled with promise!