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?

The gangs all here

Evening sun caressed the lawn and trees and the birds gathered to have a late snack before settling down for the night. I was surprised to see the rose breasted gros beak, purple finch and goldfinch all gathered on the feeder, the soft sunlight making them seem to glow.

This feeder has been through the mill. Raccoons have taken it off it's hangar frequently and tossed it to the ground breaking off the roof and cracking the sides. Weather - an always uneasy guest - has also taken its toll and it needs a refreshing paint job as well as I think, a larger tray and certainly some repairs to its sides.

The birds don't care. This, along with a tube feeder of sunflower seeds on the east side of my home, is the most popular of the feeders for the small birds. Occasionally the grackles will sit on the edge driving away the rest of the birds - they are so greedy - and this year so plentiful. Four blue jays also are regular visitors when there is seed on the rail, but mostly it's the preferred feeding station of the finch gang.

This spring has brought many more of the small birds to my feeders. It's been cool and they need the extra fat found in nyjer and sunflower seeds. I've had several different kinds of sparrows, fox, white throat, song, white crowned. As well the juncos and chickadees continuing to visit this year. It's such a delight to also have the other birds return, meadow larks, tree swallows, a lone bluebird dropped by, and the warblers are beginning to pass through. The air is filled with song. Soon it will be warm enough for one of my favourites - the hummers to return.

And then there is the garden.

Slowly but surely grass has overtaken many of the small gardens around the property. And just as slowly maybe not quite so surely, I've been pulling it up. It's a process. It's a joyful process since it grounds me and fills me with the feeling of nurture and nature especially as I listen to the water burbling in the pond, the birds' song and soft breezes. And of course there are my two silly dogs playing chase and pull with a torn and favoured stuffed toy.

May this day bring you all good feelings wherever you are.

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!