My Country Life

White Oak at the Cabin 3/25/13 This white oak at the cabin appears to be holding onto winter with a tight-fisted, steely grip. Or maybe it is pleading with outstretched arms for the arrival of warm, sunny days. Today was another cold, blustery one. More like January than late March. Spring is definitely tardy this year.

I saw the first snake of the season yesterday while walking near the creek.  A little early to be out, I thought, especially since it was a cool day here. He was sunning in a well-lit spot on the bank next to the creek. As Melvin and I approached on the path, we startled him, and he slithered away quickly, down the bank and landed with a plop in the creek. I squealed and shuttered as I always do when I encounter any reptile, whether large or small, real or imagined, dead or alive.

Clematis armandii Spring officially arrived this morning at 7:02 AM. The winter solstice, December 21 marked my first day here at the cabin. I’ve made it through three months; made it through winter. I’m glad for the arrival of spring and to have the long, cold, dark days of winter behind me.

Daffodils, 3/8/13 State Botanical Garden of Georgia Recently, I paid a visit to the State Botanical Garden in Athens. Spring seemed to have already arrived there. The daffodils screamed happiness as soon as I drove through the gate, and the lenten rose was spectacular. I was reminded why I took a 12-year detour into horticulture and recalled all the good people I met through the years while I worked in the green industry. I came home and puttered in my yard here at the cabin. I’m clearing, selecting which trees to keep, creating paths, pulling briars, installing birdhouses, and working on drainage issues. Eventually, I will add plants for year-round interest. The place could use some ornamental landscaping; my gardener heart leaps with joy at the thought.

A great blue heron has made himself at home here in the creek where he hunts for fish and frogs and such. I spotted him there last week, in the area where I regularly cross. I saw him again the next day in the exact same location, and then again yesterday, 50 yards or so up stream.  Each time I have seen him, he is in flight, leaving the creek after having been startled by my arrival. He is spectacular in flight, with a wingspan of more than five feet. After taking flight, he comes to rest high up in a nearby tree where he watches me. And I watch him.

Melvin on his morning walk. Every morning, Melvin and I walk the driveway out to the road and back. It’s a short walk, just under a half-mile round trip. We take our time and soak up the morning. This new country ritual is a perfect way to ease into the day. I usually don’t even bother to get dressed; just throw a coat over my flannel pajamas, put on my boots, a scarf, and gloves, and head out. Coffee mug in one hand. Binoculars in the other.