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?