11 April 2014

For lo, the winter has passed

Yesterday was the sort of day we have been waiting for, here in New England, and—let it be said—it was a day we have earned, after the winter we've had.

Yes, there was more snow in previous years, and there were colder winds in past seasons, and I recall a winter where I felt like I was a character from an Ice Age film.  But for some reason this most recent winter has left everyone I've spoken to in these parts feeling grumpy, exhausted, and yearning for a day like yesterday.

By midday it was sixty-two degrees, the sky was a soft blue and utterly cloudless and the breeze was invigorating.

Robins have been hopping about here and there, plying the earth for worms after the rain we had a few days ago. The squirrels have been up to their antics as well, chasing one another in dizzying circles up and down tree trunks.

Wherever I look there are swollen buds on the flowering trees and shrubs, just waiting to burst. The Witch Hazel is already in bloom, its fragile golden filaments a welcome burst of color in what has been, until recently, a barren landscape.

It was thirty two degrees on Wednesday night, but it didn't feel that cold.  Not after the sunny afternoon we'd had only hours earlier.  But, as they say, it's all relative.  Clear the streets and sidewalks of snow and ice, bring out the sun to coax green shoots from the earth, and then throw in cloudless skies and a nice spring breeze, and thirty two at night doesn't feel quite so bad.

In fact, I experienced an unexpected sensation yesterday evening.  I opened the French doors that lead from the dining room onto the verandah, something I rarely do in winter, and a soft rush of stifling warmth greeted me. All that day's sunlight and heat had been trapped within the glassed in space. I sat there for awhile, reveling in the closeness and in the sense that a new season had arrived in earnest.

12 comments:

  1. These are the days that we look back on and remember forever.
    I still remember such days from my childhood, especially staying at the beach for our Summer holiday.
    The warmth of the sun, a gentle sea breeze moving the sand grass and the sounds of rolling waves - it was like heaven!
    Soon your doors and windows will be open all day long and the cold will become a distant memory!

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    1. It won't be long now, Shane! Each day brings another little bit of spring to us. And no doubt, on the hot days of August, we will be wishing for cooler nights! Isn't that always the way? Have a lovely weekend. - Haworth

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  2. We are in full spring mode here in Phoenix. Next week it should be in the high 90's. UGH! I hope that isn't a sign of a long HOT summer.

    Enjoy your Lovely New England Spring. :)
    ~Liz

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    1. My goodnessl, Liz, that's so early for such high temperatures. And here it may go below freezing tomorrow night... but I am still glad it's Spring, regardless of the temperatures! Thanks so much for visiting.

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  3. Such a sweet post. We live in the NE also, so your words are so understandable. :-)

    Oh I am so happy that I happened upon your lovely blog...

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa~
    (Upper NYS)

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by, Tessa! It will be a bit colder the next few nights, but I do think Spring is finally here.

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  4. April 15th

    Oh I am so happy that you commented in this post, in my blog, that you do love magical and whimsical. Always. !!! I constantly search Pretty Blog Land, to find others who share this with me! :-)))

    And oh yes, The Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries are delicious!!!

    So happy to have found your blog!

    Gentle hugs,
    Tessa~

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    1. I'm happy you found me, too, Tessa! I am intrigued now by Miss Fisher and will seek her out when I can. Magic and whimsy are integral to life, I think. :)

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  5. Those first warm spring days are like no others. You deserve them after the winter you've had.

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    1. Oh my, yes we do, Perpetua! I think the first sunny days are just intoxicating. Sitting in the sun after such a long winter is such a luxury. I hope your weather has been lovely, too.

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    2. After a long wait Easter was cloudleslsy sunny and warm. :-)

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    3. Wonderful! Ours was, as well, Perpetua.

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