signs of spring

Hope Springs

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ice

It seems counterintuitive to think of ice as a sign that winter is coming to an end.  But these odd formations have appeared in my backyard, below the eaves of my house.  They are the result of snow melting from the roof.  Although it is still cold enough that it freezes, this gives me some hope that winter is near its end.

There are many ways to enjoy winter in Northern New Brunswick:  skiing, snowshoeing, skidooing, skating, and sledding.  By the time spring officially arrives, however, I am ready for its end.  I crave flip flops and walks on the beach, campfires and balmy summer nights.  I am done with all the whiteness and not being able to see around corners when I back out of my driveway.

We are not done with winter weather yet, but at least there are signs that it is beginning to end.

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Strange Noises

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grass

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I took my camera into the backyard this morning.  As I stood there searching for photo possibilities, I listened to the birds singing and felt grateful for the final arrival of spring.

But there was another sound, too.

A faint crinkling came from the ground, leaving me to believe there could be snakes slithering near my feet.  I stood still, ready to flee should I spot them.  The more I listened, however, the more I realized it couldn’t possibly be snakes as the sound seemed to be coming from all around me.

It took me a moment to realize what the sound was:  the grass pushing through the dried leaves covering the earth.

It was the sound of the grass growing.

A Little Corner

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It may not be pretty, but this picture makes me very happy.

For six months, this corner of our back deck has been covered in snow.  This is the corner outside my back door, where I go to hang clothes.

For six months, I haven’t been able to access this spot.

Now, finally, with the promise of sun today and a little corner to stand on, I can hang out some clothes on the line.

It’s not much, but it’s enough.

deck

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Hope

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Small signs are beginning to show that spring is near:  Longer days, warmer afternoons, and evidence of melted snow (however small).

Since it is my habit to look closely (not to mention my desperation for the end of winter to arrive), I have noticed these details.  The mountainous snow drift outside my window now allows just a bit of light to peak over it into my kitchen.  Puddles are beginning to appear at the sides of snow banks.  And ice is showing up in places that had been covered for weeks, a sign that the melt is beginning.

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