Saturday, January 29, 2011

The detritus of winter

All around us in the fields I see the remains of last summer's growth. Brittle reminders in brown and gray of what was and of what will come again. Ah, January. This month takes too long to pass, and when it does, we are stuck with February. Which is thankfully short, a mild consolation for having put up with January.

Come spring, this spent thistle in a nearby field will either fall or be mowed down.

Still, there are signs. I see and hear more and more birds on morning walks. I see buds fattening up on trees and shrubs, and bulbs are starting to push up green stems. I'm glad the winters are mild here in our ocean-tempered climate (even though the ocean is four or five hours to our west, it still moderates our winter).

Are you seeing any signs of spring yet?
at

13 comments:

  1. Cubby29 January, 2011 12:42

    The only signs of spring I've noticed are that the sun isn't as far south as it was a month ago, and the days are a few minutes longer. Haven't seen the ground here in many weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mark29 January, 2011 13:27

    Nothing. But then again, I wasn't even looking as closely as you are. But we are covered in snow. So it's kind of difficult.
    February is the worst month. When March 1st comes around, I'm so happy. Even if we are still buried under the snow.
    Your Friend, m.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ladybird29 January, 2011 13:40

    In my mother's garden the snowdrops are blooming and the other day I heard a bird singing when I was leaving for work at half past six. Feels great. Can't wait for spring to arrive.
    P.S. Our Kim won the finals at Melbourne. What an achievement after her come-back last year! We are so proud ...

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thickethouse.wordpress29 January, 2011 15:04

    I follow the changes of sunrise and sunset, but that is the only change, though welcome. Northeast Ohio is probably at least two months behind you there. And we get some terrific snowstorms in April.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Seine Judeet (Judith)29 January, 2011 15:45

    No!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amanda29 January, 2011 15:56

    I don't want to make you sad so I won't write about it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Moving with Mitchell29 January, 2011 16:19

    You are clearly made of much sterner stuff. We're complaining because temps are below 50F here. But, you're photos are atill beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Beaver29 January, 2011 17:06

    Are you kidding? ♫♫♫♫♫
    I see WHITE all around me and it is going to be below -13C this WE. When the cut-off of the heat pump kicks in at night we know what is to be expected ( tuques, mitts and parkas).
    Talk to me after St Paddy's day ☼☼☼☼☼☼☼

    ReplyDelete
  9. Barbara Snow29 January, 2011 17:23

    With over 50 inches of snow on the ground, any signs of spring are well hidden under a blanket of dirty white. Check back in six weeks.
    Barb in Minnesota

    ReplyDelete
  10. Casey29 January, 2011 20:42

    We see signs here...my lilac bush has beautiful fat green buds all over it. COME-ON SPRING!! I'm so grateful for my seed catalogs...they see me through Jan and Feb.!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ur-spo29 January, 2011 22:55

    yes, if you count allergies, ACHOOO !

    ReplyDelete
  12. Mary29 January, 2011 23:45

    The catnip plant that is still in it's pot from the nursery from last summer has sent out new leaves! I never got it in the ground but I will soon, we're having weather here in Eugene Oregon of mid to high 40's. NO SNOW. NO RAIN. Blue skies and part SUN. YEAH!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Starman30 January, 2011 01:07

    The only sign of spring here is that the days are getting noticeably longer.

    ReplyDelete

Tell me what you think!