Happy April Fool's Day

Hello, my name is Nature, and I'm the guest writer today. Take a look at that snow! Take a look at the temperature! Even though I see their dreams of  poplars leafing out and daffodils blooming, I know that my friends in Minnesota could handle my joke today. Don't worry; it'll wear off in a couple weeks.

Welcome Spring?!?

Spring has officially arrived. Yet it's snowing. The birds are active at our feeders because it's migration time. I saw two snow geese flying overhead. I've heard the constant honking of Canada geese, the occasional trill from cranes, and the background chatter from the smaller birds. We're all ready for some warmer weather.

Hope

The wind slaps my skin, cold and sharp. When I breathe too deeply, I cough, so I pull the scarf over my nose and mouth. Except for my eyes and the bridge of my nose, I'm completely covered, yet the air creeps into the small spaces of my knit pants. Yet I do not despair! My seeds have arrived in the mail, and I dream of the fresh vegetables and colorful flowers. I can survive the cold, and my garden will grow again. Hope arrives as a package. 

P. S. Pinetree Gardens Seeds has not paid for an endorsement. I buy my seeds from them because they're affordable, family-owned, and have excellent customer service. 

Super Blue Blood Moon

As I'm watching the solar eclipse, I think to myself, "I should get a photo of this." But the moon is disappearing behind the trees.

I put my winter coat over my pajamas and hop into my car. I don't want to walk for two reasons: time is running out, and in the darkness drivers may not see a pedestrian. I get a good look from my gravel road, but the moon is dipping behind the trees. I have one last vantage point to try--a hill just off our county road.

And so standing in 17 degree F weather with my uncombed hair, one mitten held in my mouth, and my car beside me (engine running), a neighbor I haven't met drives by. I wave. I take a photo. And I hope they know I'm watching today's lunar eclipse, otherwise I'll be known as that crazy lady that lives down the road. Or maybe I already am? 

Happy Holidays

I realize this post is late for some major holidays and early for others. Nevertheless, I wish you joy and light during the long nights. And a happy new year! May it be filled with color. (Photos: blue jay eating seeds fallen from our feeder and my frosty morning walk)

December

I'm preparing for the polar vortex--the bitter temperatures, the raw winds, the deep snows. What do I do? I walk outside. I touch up a few garden chores here and there. I sit on the porch, bundled in a warm coat. I gaze at the night sky (photo below two days ago, pre- Super Moon). 

The more time I spend outside now, the shorter winter will feel overall. The snow is gone (for now), but the frost arrives each morning. This is oregano with a lacy, icy loveliness.

Snow-vember

Saturday morning I woke to some beautiful snow on the ground. My first thought was "Snowshoes!" Yet when I went outside to clear off the steps, I heard gun shots. Alas, it's deer hunting season. High powered rifles can send gunshots long distances. On these days, I avoid the woods. Today, Sunday, most of the snow has melted and crusted over. Insert sad face here. I have mixed feelings about hunting season. The deer love to eat my garden, but they are marvelous creatures. I've observed the personality differences between the two that hung out near my house this summer, but now we're up to four in the area. And they love to chew on apple trees. So mixed. In any case, hunting season will be over soon, and we'll have more snow. Definitely. This is Minne-snow-ta.