wind – Site Title

Spring is in the Air?

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” Doug Larson

I took my usual walk this morning and I was the only one out there with the “conference” of crows for company. There were about 20 of them huddled together in the field trying to keep the cold wind at bay while I approached all bundled up disturbing their peace. They did let out a loud caw as I got too close and took off to somewhere quieter.

We had snow yesterday but it melted as evening rolled around. Nothing new today but the forecast says light snow showers later. The temperature is dipping and can be felt from the biting wind tinged with ice as it picks up speed and touches my nose before it makes its way to where it needs to go. No one around or rather no one brave enough to get out here and meet the weather head-on. I did and I must say it feels refreshing and peaceful to have the place all to myself.

Taking my usual route, I walked to the apple trees and it was a muddy trek. Puddles of water were aplenty and I had to curb my urge to jump in them! The fact that they were tinged with ice stopped me from doing just that. As I approached the apple trees, I could see the small graveyard in the distance. It looked peaceful as it usually does. I’m sure he is at peace now.

Turning back, I took the same path back and decided to go up the hill. Then I saw them and my breath caught in my throat. Two ducks standing together, quiet but eyeing me cautiously. As I approached, they backed up and took off their red-tinged tails and loud quacks signaling that they were none too pleased with the intrusion. Spring on the way? I’m not too sure about that because we have snow in the forecast for Thursday, a 70% chance, so what are the ducks doing here? Perhaps, they are in a rush for spring to get here as I am. On my way back, I saw one rabbit dashing across the fields. Down the hill, two more appeared doing their spring dance! An older guy stood watching them and as I approached he said, “Wonderful sight, isn’t it?” I agreed. Yes, spring is definitely in the air and the silent world is beginning to wake up from its long slumber. I can’t wait!

It was a good walk although the cold is making my nose run. I need another cup of coffee and warmth to pep me up. It’s going to be a good day.

The Blizzard

This year has seen more than its share of snow and it is a never-ending saga! The kind that I hope ends pretty soon and makes way for milder weather. Two days ago, we got dumped! I mean it (snow) moved in unexpectedly and dumped about 20 inches of snow, enough to keep this village covered in white for quite a while! The problem, it took three or more times of clearing and salting to keep it at bay!

When it was finished with its handywork, we were covered in snow. The trees looked straight out of a postcard, every branch covered in white and it was a sight to behold. The streets looked impenetrable and everything was at a standstill. Nothing moved out there. It was a snow-covered landscape and if you didn’t have to be out in it, you stayed home with lots of coffee and warmth to keep you company as I did.

One neighbor said, “Enough already!” as she walked past while I was clearing the snow away and I echo that sentiment wholeheartedly. It is time for winter to go or at least the constant influx of snow! I’ve had my fill and I suppose so have many other people around here.

I’ve been keeping tabs on the weather forecast and the prediction is more snow and rain tomorrow! However, the temperature will be going up but just a little. We are not out of the woods yet but as with all things, this too shall pass as they say.

I took a walk in the fields yesterday and it was covered in pea soup thick fog and visibility was next to zero. The fields were covered in heavy snowfall and it was a blinding white enough to warrant sunglasses! It was a pretty sight nonetheless.

Have an amazing day.

The First Snowfall

The weather forecast has been predicting snow for the last couple of days along with the temperatures dropping to freezing and sure enough, it came this morning. I was greeted with tiny flakes of snow mixed in with the rain and wind. Snow, beautiful pristine snow that has the ability to grab your attention and to keep it there for awhile. Standing at the kitchen window with the coffee mug in hand, it was a beautiful sight even though it was just a light flurry.

I decided it was a perfect day for soup and cuddle time with my little fur ball. Somehow, he sensed it as well because he kept close, playing my second shadow to the hilt! Once I had the bedcovers changed to flannel ones, he had a field day diving under the blankets and dashing from room to room. He gets that way some days and on other days, he is as quiet as a mouse and spends his time playing Christopher Columbus. Discovery is on his mind and opening drawers another passion of his.

After downing four cups of coffee, it was time to take another look out the window. The weeping willow is swaying with the wind and the snow flakes have all but gone. Rain is still here but according to the weather forecast more snow is on the way but not the kind that will stay for a while or the kind that will turn the landscape into a winter wonderland. It’s too early for that.

However, I would have liked to go walking out in the snow. The rain and wind put a stop to that. Oh well, there will be other days when the fields will be covered in white and magic will happen as winter takes hold and turns the trees into frosted works of art. It will be picture perfect, just needs a little time to get there.

Have an amazing day.

A Storm Named Joshua

The storm moved in yesterday and it looks like it is planning to stay for awhile. Things rattled in the garden last night as gale-force winds showed their might, huffing and puffing better than any wolf could! It was interesting listening to it and each time I heard a loud bang, I rushed to the balcony to check if a tree or two had fallen down but thankfully there was nothing. Just that my compost bin had its cover wide-open but there was nothing much I could do about it last night.

This morning, I had every intention of getting out there. I did my grocery shopping but on my way back I noticed that the wind was picking up speed again and bilious clouds were gathering like fists along the skyline. It was packing a punch and just a matter of time before the rain would follow keeping some of us homebound and out of the way of the first strong fall storm.

So no walk as planned. Weather forecasters are warning of possible rail delays and travel disruptions across the country. Gale-force winds could reach up to 120 km/h in some places but it is not that strong here yet, but I don’t want to risk taking a walk and have something come barreling down at me.

I’m biting the bullet and opting for a quiet and cozy day with Chachi, the cat, for company. Soup sounds good so I’ve got a pot of spicy coconut and fish soup on the stove and later I might just make a cake. A healthy one with yogurt, coconut flour, almond milk and maybe even some coconut flakes thrown in for extra texture.

That’s the plan.

Have an amazing day.

Fall’s Gloomy Face

It marches in with wet boots, ruffled hair and a “I don’t care attitude!” Time to blow the leaves off the trees, turn whatever remains into a palette of breathtaking colors and to brush everything with a golden light when the rain leaves and takes a break.

Saturday was that kind of day. Wet, windy, gloomy and miserable and yet there was a certain kind of magic in the air. A heralding of things to come. One of beauty in a subdued manner.

MG Mason in his piece, “Writing the Seasons: Autumn” describes it beautifully as he captures the essence of fall through his words.

“It is getting colder and darker; leaves are falling from the trees. There is a chill in the air overnight, frost on the ground in the morning, mist and fog in the air. Dry, dead leaves crunch beneath your feet and clouds appear when you breathe out. There is still a lingering warmth but always a constant reminder of the cold to come.”

Fall has its moments as it prepares to make a showing but it is all part and parcel of the season. There has to be moments of unrest as it prepares to show its clout when it finally arrives and makes a show-stopping display. I, for one, can’t wait to see its full beauty as it steps out wearing its dress of many colors.

The rain has stopped but there is a definite chill in the air. The wind is picking up speed as the trees sway back and forth creating music of their own. In a way, there is a little sadness as summer waves goodbye and moves on to make way for another season to step in. It is only a matter of time before we welcome the beauty of fall, glorious fall, with colors that will take your breath away.

It is one of my favorite seasons.

Have an amazing Sunday.

A Rainy Day

Photo by MAKSIM ZAVIKTORIN on Pexels.com

I woke up to the sounds of rain not pitter-pattering outside but coming down in a steady deluge. Cuddled up under the covers with Chachi, the cat, the sound was soothing.

It looks like the rain has moved in and it is planning to stay for awhile. The ground has been parched for lack of water in recent weeks so this intermittent rain is much sought after not only by the plant life but by the farmers as well. I, on the other hand, have a soft spot for rain. I don’t like the kind that is accompanied by thunder and lightning but this soft and steady variety is just my cup of tea or coffee for that matter.

Standing at the big window in the kitchen, coffee cup in hand and Chachi right by my side, I notice that the wind is picking up and it is going to be a wet and blustery day.

Chachi goes: “The TV is acting up Mommy!”

He’s right. There is none of the usual calmness with birds singing in the trees. The sky is grey and the bamboo fronds in the neighbor’s garden is doing a slow dance moving in symphony to the rhythm of the rain. There is beauty in the movement and as I let my gaze take in the scene before me, I realize that nature in all its wisdom has a way of accommodating everything that comes its way. There is much we can learn from it just by standing still and observing. It’s a hard thing to do I know because life sometimes moves at a faster pace than we want it to.

I know Chachi, the cat, will adjust to the erratic movements going on outside the window and I will up my workout routine today and add Tai Chi to match what is happening outside. It’s a day that calls for lots of coffee and perhaps a slice or two of cheesecake! It’s going to be a beautiful day and I wish you the same.

“The beauty of rain, it’s like a symphony from the sky. Pounding drums on my roof, serenades on my windows. An angelic ballet of raindrops dancing around in my garden. A spectacle I could witness for the rest of my days.” N.C.

Have an amazing day.