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?

Stormy weather

Lately we've been experiencing (like most of world) some very different spring weather. Recently we had a series of amazing thunderstorm cells passing by. Tornadoes also occurred in parts of southern Ontario.

Then the sun came out. It always amazes me how the sun lights up the world. It's something we take so for granted.

If you have big sky such as where I live - you can easily see the difference sunshine makes. Here the black sky of the storm just passed, is a great backdrop for the trees east of me and along the roadside.

The blue sky that followed the storm also shows clearly the form that a storm takes - with this circular shaped cloud being the last edge of the gray skies for a short while anyway.

Weather affects so much of what we do, and it in turn is affected by what we do - climate change being the biggest problem. The current wildfires and floods, as well as the severity of the tornadoes are, I believe, evidence of how the carbon emissions are changing our climate and weather. We so casually throw pollution into the atmosphere with our excessive use of electricity, gasoline for vehicles, coal fired generators, - the list is pretty long. Many people are concerned but it takes concrete action to make change. I hope we're not too late.

Outside, inside

Outside - it's snowing this morning and it seems like at least a hundred goldfinches and their colleagues are visiting my feeders - this one on the deck, the two on the east and the one on the west sides of my home. There are also several birds at the nyger feeder in the birch tree on the south near the front door - getting their fill of thistle seeds.

Eleia, the calico cat has decided to abandon her vigil in the huge bird feeder on the deck near the one shown in this picture. The wind is blowing and it's a trifle cold out there. She's perched inside on a window sill behind the computer, watching the action from there. Christopher, the black cat, has gone to curl up in a chair by the fire. Birds are too much trouble for him. I've seen them land at the dogs' water dish on the deck, just beneath where his head is hanging over the edge of the chair he's chosen to sleep in. He watches them from a foot away, but never moves. The birds seem to know he's know threat - Eleia? They see her they bolt.

Inside?

These beautiful hibiscus blooms make me feel warm and cozy! Bright and cheerful on a gray chilly day.

A smile on a gray rainy day

It's been a rainy gray weekend, but late on Saturday afternoon, the sun broke through and gave us all this great big upside down, colourful smile. Of course I ran for my camera, stood in my driveway and then ran around trying to get as many images as I could. Since the rainbow stretched from one side of my horizon to the other I couldn't fit it all in. But here's a small sample - not quite as vivid as it appeared when I shot it.

Rainbows always make me feel hopeful, cheerful and just downright all over good.

I hope you have some lovely rainbows in your skies this weekend and in the months ahead.