Hope Springs Eternal

Sunshine.....finally!

Last week we were treated to a few days of sunshine and warmer temperatures.  My soul literally sighed with relief.  The garden looked so lovely with a bit of sunshine on it too.  And it made me wonder if we sun-deprived people react a bit stronger to the sun than those who see it on a regular basis.  Everyone was outside.  Driving down our narrow road involved constant swerving around joggers, walkers and bikers.  Our goats were lounging on their favorite perches too--just soaking it up.  Eyes half-closed and fur warm from sunshine, they especially enjoyed the rain break.

But it doesn't take long for the craziness to set in.  So happy are we to feel warm again, that our energy levels rise too quickly.  We might decide to redo an entire section of the garden...in one day.  Or order far more plants than we possibly have the space for.  Such is the nature of our sun-joy.

I am always amused by the spring antics of the birds, as they perfectly act out the spring fever we all feel.  One little bird was so entranced with his beautiful reflection, that he made circles around our truck every time it was parked.

This little guy began his sun ritual by peering at himself in the front corner of the truck windshield.

He then hopped the length of the windshield, making sure to check himself out from all angles.

And finally, after spending some time fluttering in front of each side mirror, he would fly up to the cherry tree and start ripping off the pink blossoms!   Then he would begin the whole flight circle all over again...

The craziness has ended....for now.  The rain has returned and the multiple, much anticipated projects sit half-complete.  But it is nice to remember that we indeed have a beautiful blue sky above the clouds.  And even though we may hunker down for months sipping cups of caffeine, we unite with collective joy when the sun comes out.

Springless in Seattle

A mixture of rain, snow and sleet raining down on the cherry tree.

March is a horrible tease.  Her weather menu changes constantly; she consults no one about their preferences.  One day she might serve us a beautiful Spring day, complete with sunshine, singing birds and newly opened blossoms.  The next day (or even hour) brings bone chilling temperatures of 37 degrees, with frost edging newly opened leaves.  And the several layers of fleece and wool I'm still wearing are not enough to stave off my shivering.

When the cold isn't enough misery, March has other weather for us to sample.  She may decide to darken the skies to a shade of grey so deep, it tricks our light-activated walkway lights into thinking it's night.  And the deluge of rain coming from these clouds is so heavy it turns soil into soup, and dampens any spring-y hopes that were emerging in our souls.

For the winter weary, this weather menu is exhausting.  It is the daily struggle between two seasons:  winter and spring.  And I find it impossible to stay off of this particular roller coaster.  My moods shift easily with this shifting weather.  On a spring-like day, the warmth on my skin, the sweet smells of blossoms, fresh earth and the fragrance I can only label as "green", make my heart feel light. And then on the dark and stormy days, I feel the cold in my bones and I am lethargic and irritated.

This unpredictable month is unsettling.  And clearly, I am not the only one who is unsettled.  But perhaps my expectations were too high to begin with?  This morning's Seattle Times had an article titled, Yeah, it's cold out; so what were you expecting?  A local meteorologist claims that our seasons don't relate to solstices or equinoxes.  He says that Summer is July and August, Fall is September and October.  Winter starts in November and lasts through February, and "there's no such things as Spring".  I tend to agree.