sunny winter day. A day of
soft plopping snow that glided
down fir tree branches like
whipped cream off a spoon
onto a fruit cobbler mix of
sun, ravens, and woodpeckers.
The glitter of the crystallized
snow glimmered and shone with
each ray of sunshine. The birds
called to each other and made
spring dates for which they are
sure to keep.
There is a promise of a coming
spring that is no longer just for faraway lands, but here, and possibly, and amazingly soon.
It’s one of those miraculous days, the kind that will stay in your memory forever, warming every February snowfall that is still to come, illuminating each gloomy day that is ahead. It’s as if with the turning of the calendar, we turned a landmark in the winter season. More light, more warmth, more promises.
It’s still hidden, but in spots like a color of paint that is being stripped from a old dresser, the ground will show, the very soil that we haven’t seen for so long, apparent to our eyes.
The icicles that hung like silver teeth from everything, our roofs, our vehicles, our trees, have started to drip, slowly melting, and then with sudden bursts letting go to fall to the ground. They shatter, crystalized water, shimmer while laying on the ground, and then melt away.
The Ravens have come back, with their distinct gravelly voices that shake the quiet snow melting sounds, and scatters the birds from the feeders.
Tiny treasures, hoof prints in the snow, deer prints from our midnight visitors who dine with delight on the fallen bird seed, you are welcome, shall we leave you some carrots?
This day, the day that the icicles left, the first day that we could stand outside without shivering, is certainly a wonderful day. And I hope a indication of those to come.
Welcoming the thought of spring with open arms, whenever it chooses to arrive.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
No Winter Whining link up is tomorrow, don’t forget to link up at Heather’s blog with your post on Nature in Winter.
And drop by the Facebook page, and the Pinterest boards for No Winter Whining.
Oh you have such a way with your beautiful shots and look on nature. you are like my favorite coffee table book online.
ReplyDeleteI love the new snow that has fallen, but it has been a cold winter. 16 degrees right now but we are warming to 30s soon but we are probably getting at least another 4 feet of snow officially. Unofficially at my house we had 7 feet so far but most of it melted with some thaws.
ReplyDeleteIf we had a early spring, I could get some garden work done...oh well.
Yes, when the icicles leave it is time to celebrate. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened here yet - maybe in a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteJen, I almost felt like I was standing there with you, the promise of spring just around the corner.... (screech to a halt), then I looked outside my window! Cheers~
ReplyDeleteLove the pic of Boots. I saw yesterday new shoots coming out in the garden. It is coming..
ReplyDeleteOh, I loved your descriptions of the coming spring with your well written similes...great images, for sure!
ReplyDeleteThat shot of Boots is one of my favorites!
Beautifully written ! Awesome photos ! It is snowing heavily out now and soo pretty lots of big soft flakes making a winter wonderland ! There was just a dusting on the ground a few hours ago but now it is getting deeper. Have a good day !
ReplyDeleteThis reads like poetry, Jen. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow! Already? A LOVELY day indeed!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Zuzu
No fair..I am very jealous..we have no hint of melting or spring:(
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous post you have written today.
ReplyDeleteMeredith
When we blog, we realize what a small world we live in! We have ravens here....right now...on the golf course behind our house. And when I was at the park this week, I took photos of a deer track. No icicles though! But I'll let you know if I see one! Nice post!
ReplyDeleteNature has her own timetable as beautifully illustrated in your thaw. We have reached the half-way mark on the calendar for this season. Time will tell . . . Happy weekend, Jen.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post Jen, it is so amazing how quickly our thoughts turn from winter to spring with just the hint of warmth and sunshine. The majority of the groundhogs say Spring is on it's way, I am choosing to ignore the ones who predict otherwise! Deb
ReplyDeleteYour prose is so pleasant, Jen! I think we still have icicles, but maybe they're on their way out here, too...just maybe! February is the hardest month for me here in Wisconsin, so I'm surrounding myself with good books and plenty of garden planning...
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent post. The writing was fantastic. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful Jen...:)
ReplyDeleteWe have new snow as well, but we are not melting yet. Lovely post, makes me anxious for the big thaw.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautifully poetic post, Jen! I love reading it and picturing it all in my mind as I read. We used to call it "the thaw" but your way of describing it is so much better--the day the icicles left and the ravens came.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a beautiful post Jen - in words and photos. We're enjoying -18 and lots of snow here in the Fort today.
ReplyDelete