The Procession

A town alive in a celebration of maple syrup and its goodness. It was full of life under an azure spring sky until the procession began to wind its way through.

Most streets were blocked yet the solemness was not lost as vehicles pulled over, turned on lights and some drivers made the sign of the cross as we passed by.

Their acknowledgement of a dear departed soul on her final journey was not lost amongst the mourners accompanying her along the way. I whispered “thank you” for their consideration.

Out to the country and onto an ancient road we travelled. A dirt road trod by many over the centuries, bordered by fields waiting seed, a rushing brook and stone mills.

This was her final home, in a loving cared for cemetery on a hill overlooking those same fields she once ran through, and next to the school house where she learned the A, B, C's a century ago.

She now rests beside her husband where the morning sun will shine upon them united once again, forever.  

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The nest laid empty for weeks and I thought of removing it until Saturday past.  Ms. Robin decided to make it her home.  It's well built, and under the eave for protection but directly above a door, sigh.  I must say who ever built it had a lovely sense of decorating by adding dried hydrangea blossoms.

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I'm sharing this with Rambling Woods Natures Notes. 

Spring has arrived

I feel like a child again. Spending days outside until the familiar call “Cherrrrrrryl! It is time to come in! Now! Young lady!” My response was always “but mummm”. Mum is long gone but I still have the need to be outside until common sense tells me tis time. At this time of year common sense would be pulling on another sweater, turning on the garden lights and gasp! putting on socks.

my soul has woken

to blue skies and warmth of earth,

life is refreshed

Five days past there was a drop of 6” of the white shite, Sorels and ice cleats were the required footwear. Today I was in barefeet. The boots are stored, shovels are at the back of the shed and the paddy-o-furniture is out. Ask me if I'm happy if you can stop me long enough from dancing.

sunshine and barefeet

stepping light in the garden,

earth warms the toes

The Pond was drained on Thursday eve, well almost drained. The pump decided to choke with 4” of water left to drain. I took the pump apart, poked, cleaned and dried it to no avail so spent 2 hours bailing the remaining water. I want it to dry completely to kill any left over critters. The past two years I have battled a snail invasion and while they are funky creatures they also eat plants that I've bought. For the last two years I purchased aquatics from a source and both years I've had that problem. While I would give them my business, gladly, I won't this year to prove a point to meself.

plucking wintered shells

out of the depths of blackness,

sun returns colour

Another benefit of draining The Pond was watching robins pick up gobs of mud to build their nests. It was non stop today. I finally followed one and found it sitting on the light over the side door. The nest is quite pretty. She plucked dried hydrangeas and used them in the nest. While I'm not too thrilled with it, I shall let them be. She has been on it most of the day so I can't take it down as there are probably eggs in it.

mud interwoven

with grasses and dried petals,

creates a love nest

Autumn past I planted dozens of golden crocus and winter aconite. Mostly around The Pond. They are robust and brilliant in colour. The Honeybees are enjoying them immensely! I'm very happy they found them. It was a small price to pay to ensure these tiny wonders and such a necessity in the food chain, are met with a feast after their winter sojourn.

honeybees seek food

amongst spring blossoms they flit,

quenching their life thirst

Haiga - Winter Aconites

winter aconites

spring forth from the warmed earth

bloom mimics the sun 

As I walked through the garden I found these beauties poking about spreading their joy of life and colour.   Though this area seems to be locked in chilly temps it gives us children of nature hope.   And I must say these aconites make one smile.