Homebodies - It's finally here!
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- Published on Sunday, April 29, 2018
By Rita Friesen
Neepawa Banner & Press
I cracked the windows open and let the spring breeze flow through my home. I had waited a long time for this. It was refreshing. It’s been a great week for signs of spring. Traveling Highway 16 I smiled at the sight of horses in their pasture, a little one stretched full out in the sunshine. I understood. A little further I marveled at the deep blue of the ice on a large slough.
Ice that blue indicates a deep body of water. And then a slough with open water, and two geese standing on an ice floe, assessing the real estate site? Into the hills, the snow still lay deep on the north side but most of the south-facing slopes were bare. Brown, not yet green, but not white. The tree’s silhouettes are thickening, the sap moving and the branches preparing to carry new life.
When the dogs and I step out at five thirty or six of the AM– we step out, not get up!- the birds are cheerfully greeting a new day. A robin’s call, clear and carrying, lifts my spirits. Later in the day we took our long walk, down a country road and listened to the water gurgling as it hurried downhill, a meadowlark praising the day, and the raucous call of the crows as they charted our progress. And it was good.
The milder weather has prompted me to get to outside work. I did a bit of raking of leaves and grass, washed down the patio furniture, and picked up the dog’s droppings. (There are a hundred ways of saying that and only one way to do it!) I set out the solar lights I had put away, and even, my goodness – washed the car. The water feature is ready to be filled, the peony trimmed and ready, the water hose connected. To say that I will be disappointed if winter returns next week would be an understatement.
I marvel that every spring amazes me. I have witnessed decades of springs. Late springs, early springs, dry ones and wet ones. And every year I am thrilled. This year I wonder if I dare plant anything before I leave for holidays, or dare I wait until I return – too early or too late? But plant I will. Simple, basic garden staples. I didn’t start any seeds inside this year, though last year was a success. I didn’t want to have to worry about the plants getting lean and lanky, getting too big for their pots. More of my younger friends are getting into gardening and I applaud them, and wish them success, for a first garden that doesn’t do well is a sad discouragement. I know. One of the things I like best about spring is that there is a wide variety of work to do. Never stick to one task too long or I get sore and tired muscles. Rake a bit, wash a window, haul out summer stuff and circle back to raking. Jumbled, like my thoughts on this gorgeous spring evening.
