Spring Equinox

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.


The trees are still naked here, but most are budded and will start to unfurl leaves any day now. Surely a green canopy will develop soon, and the dogwoods will bloom in a few weeks. Surely.

I finally got around to building that footbridge to facilitate Melvin’s crossing of the creek. I used some scrap lumber and spare deck screws to construct it, then dragged it down to the creek. I was going to get someone to help me, but decided it wasn’t too heavy or cumbersome to manage on my own. With my muck boots on, I just walked it right into the creek and put it where I wanted it. Melvin didn’t take much coaxing at all. He ran straight across it as soon as it was in place. I also re-routed the path so that his descent into, and ascent out of the creek basin are more gradual to ease the burden on the old corgi’s hips.

The new washer/dryer combo unit finally arrived last week. It performs well and takes up minimal space. I installed inexpensive shelving above for storage. I’m as happy about the shelving as I am the washer/dryer.

A yellow bellied sapsucker now visits the suet feeder daily. Purple finches have joined the other regulars at the seed feeders, and I recently saw a junco feeding on the ground along with the cardinals and mourning doves. Bluebirds have been spotted at both bluebird houses; I’m not sure yet if there is one pair that can’t decide which house to choose, or if there are two nesting pairs. Phoebes have built a nest just outside the window above my bed. 

That’s the news from my country life. Happy spring, everyone. Wishing us all bright, warm, happy days ahead.

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