Some days the sun shines and the promise of spring is everywhere. Other days, like today, we wake up to snow and then rain, gray skies that do not help melt the heavy snow or dry up the mud. Wednesday was a day that featured the promise of spring with birds singing and outstanding views and water rushing down the road, creatiing rivulets and puddles and imitations of Lake Missoula flooding everything in its path.
Says Phoebe
Much is said about the four seasons of wonderful weather that everyone loves in the Methow. However, few talk about the fifth season – Mud Season. This is a time when folks flee the valley. Vacations are planned around this time of year. Any sane/smart/well-adjusted person finds some reason to be somewhere, nearly anywhere else, this time of year. Snow continues to be piled all around houses; some roads and many driveways alternate between ice (in the dark of the night and early morning), slush, and then mud. Skiing condtions might be good, but more likely a skier will be faced with slow, jerking slop. Classic skiers rejoice, letting skate skiers know that their season is longer and more adaptable to unpredictable weather. The ice rink is closed. Alpine skiers enjoy the few remaining days at the Loup, knowing that the lifts will soon cease to operate despite plenty of snow in the mountains. And some of us yearn for Spring and gardens and look forward to next Winter.
Where do you park the car?
Don’t go out without your mud boots.
The promise of Daffodils
and Strawberries too
Seems like it has been snowing everyday recently. Sometimes the sun comes out and taunts a person with a promise of Spring, just around the corner. Even the Spring birds have returned. However, more snow is falling, even with a temperature well above freezing. It’s sure to turn to slush soon.
Back to flowers. This Bromeliad (related to a pineapple plant) has been with me for probably twenty five years or more. It blooms frequently, regardless of the season although more often, during the winter season. I am always intrigued by the intricacies of the flowers and how they change from being a bud to full bloom to drying out.
I spent some time Sunday near the river hoping to get photos of the hot air balloons. Instead, I mostly watched birds as the balloons floated overhead and down the other side of the valley. To see images of the balloons from Saturday go to my Reflected Light blog
At home, this Hairy Woodpecker was oblivious to the balloons landing across the valley.
Sometimes during the long cold months of winter it is good to have a warm reminder that spring will return. Even a person like me that loves winter, needs flowers now and again. This amaryllis was a New Years gift from a friend. Thanks Vicky.
My Everyday Photos 