April Showers Bring...May Snow?

It snowed all day Thursday and Friday, May 2nd and 3rd. I've never seen snow in May. In all my years I don't remember a single day in May that had snow. Except this year. Most of the midwest got hit with snow. My poor brother and his family got socked with a full foot of snow. They lost their tree. For the first day it hardly collected. And the next day it wouldn't stop.

I covered my strawberries in the hope that they would survive the snow and cold, which they did. In fact they look better than I've ever seen them, big and tall and ready to send out berries. I improvised on the covering, (an old storage box) which worked beautifully. It was windy enough to blow the container away so I placed a frozen bottle of water on top for some added weight.

When the snow came I loved the way the grass looked. The bright green grass and the pure white snow was lovely. So I took pictures. And didn't mind the snow on Thursday. It was Friday that bothered me. I saw the results of a head-on collision on my way to the office that morning. Someone had been going too fast and wasn't able to keep traction on the curve. Both cars suffered but thankfully there didn't appear to be injuries.

It was slick going in that day. The pretty green grass was gone, under a blanket of white. The snow continued all day. The ground was slick and slushy, the snow was often intense, and the wind never let up the whole day. It was cold and horrible. And I just kept thinking how it was May, and it shouldn't be snowing. I called Jeff on my way home from work on Friday to complain, but he was in too good a mood for that. He laughed and told me he "made me something". But he wouldn't tell me what it was. It was only when I pulled in that I found this guy.

I guess it was perfect packing snow. It took Jeff 20 minutes to make him. I love the frown on his face. As soon as I saw him I lit up. I couldn't stop smiling. The embodiment of winter in the middle of May. He was gone by mid-day today. The rain has brought him low. But for a moment I was smiling and happy in the middle of the spring chill. Clearly Mr. Snowman was not.

In Like a Lamb

There is an old adage about the month of March that says: March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb. For most of the years of my life this has been true. March is the unpredictable month. It could rain or snow or be sunny, sometimes all in one day. March traditionally starts with some heavy snow and by the end of the month we are feeling the first little hints of spring.

This year is a bit different. March is entering like a lamb. The city of Des Moines has been blessed with some of the nicest weather we've seen since in months. The days are reaching temperatures of 32 and above. There is even a hint (can I dare to hope?) of temperatures in the 40s over the weekend. The snow is starting to melt and for the first time since December we are starting to see some grass.

I woke up this morning to bird songs, something that I hadn't heard since November. And it seems like everyone is getting into the spirit. Moods have definitely lifted. People are out and about, even taking their coats off. I saw a woman this past weekend in short sleeves and flip flops. While I don't think we've gotten quite that warm yet, it is feeling like a heat wave. After almost 4 months of below freezing temperatures, you'll have to excuse us if we party a little bit to see 35 degree days. I'm sure the winter will try one or two last tricks before ending this month. But I'm happy to say that it's power to depress is over. We are starting to feel the spring, and after this winter, it is the most delightful sensation on earth.

Foggy Morning

I walked out the door this morning to go to work and found this.
I just had to run back in for the camera. I didn't even know we had a spider living in those bushes and hadn't seen this rather elaborate web. But the fog made it look like a big cotton ball and I had to take a picture.

I'm one of those odd people who actually kind of likes spiders. Well, as long as they don't dangle from a web and surprise me. They have free reign to live on my ceilings or outside in the bushes or siding. The ones in the siding grow huge with amazing webs. I'll try to post some pictures later in the summer when they are well established.

And the fog makes me happy. It feels very springy here with the fog and the rain. Most of the blossoms are out and everything is green. It puts me in a great mood.

Sweet Spring

It is finally spring here. I noticed on my way into the office this morning that the grass is starting to green. We don't yet have buds on the trees but the red-wing blackbirds are back in town and the weather has warmed right up. Today it is almost 70. I am in serious heaven. I'm debating picking up a sack lunch, finding a picnic bench somewhere, and eating outdoors. I have Shaun Tan's Tales From Outer Suburbia to enjoy during lunch. It promises to be a good day.

I know that spring does not officially begin until next week. And I'm still knitting myself a winter hat. But for me something has fundamentally shifted. I no longer have to really worry about snow. I have been able to go out of the house without a coat. My winter anxiety is starting to loosen up and although I'm still sleeping with earplugs, I don't worry so much. I'm ready to drink coffee outside on the patio and read or write. I'm ready to fly the kite that has been in the trunk of my car since August. I'm ready to be outdoors. I love the spring.

Gooses, Geeses

Okay yesterday was all rant and darkness. Today is all goodness and light. The difference, about 20 degrees. Actual temperature degrees. The weather hit 68 today which for March, is a veritable heat wave. I decided to celebrate by grabbing a sandwich and heading out to the nearest lake to soak up the warmth and the rays. Apparently so did everyone else. The lake (Grey's Lake for those who live in Des Moines) was packed. They have added some really nice facilities there and now it has become the place to see and be seen.

Not looking for a crowd, I headed right across the street to Water Works Park. I followed the paths back deep into the park, stopped the car, and ate my lunch while sitting on the hood of the car. It was magical. Just me and the geese. Now I know what at least some of you are thinking, Canadian geese are nasty. Many people seem to think of them as pests. I think they are beautiful. The colorations on them are really pretty when you look close. And they are so much more interesting than ducks. Plus you have to admire the waddle. It's almost comical. I got out my binoculars and watched them walk gingerly across the frozen ponds. I had a small group that came pretty near to the car. They didn't beg and I didn't feed them. (there are signs up everywhere) We just sat and calmly ignored each other.

I'm terrible about getting out birding in the winter. I know there are many species that stay over the winter and that I should get out to see them. But the layers I have to wear and the cold keep me from really enjoying. So I tend to stay in during the winter. Which is why I'm so ready for spring. Today felt like spring. I walked back into the office with a deep feeling of calm that I haven't had in a long time. I felt relaxed and refreshed and ready. Thanks to a beautiful day and some geese.