186: Dazzling in blue

(A single cattail.)

I cannot think of a better word for today.  It is dazzling.  The sky is an amazing shade of blue.  The sun is providing incredible light.  It’s just… dazzling.

(Ripples and willow branch reflections on the pond.)

Has it warmed up here in the Bogs?  No.  It has not.  It’s not any warmer than it has been for the past week or so.  But my attitude has  changed, and I have once again acclimated to the cold.  Layers on, hat on, mittens on, and waterproof boots to keep my feet dry and warm.  The t-shirts, shorts, and other bits of summer apparel will have to wait.  The weather folks are saying we won’t be warming up anytime soon.  It’ll be at least a week or more.

Bird's nest

I like the way the blue of the sky comes out in different shades depending on where I point the camera in relation to where the sun is positioned.  Or something like that.  I bet it sounded like I knew what I was talking about for a moment or two.

A bird near the nest

I am surprised by how boggy it continues to be.  The persistent, steady, cold and dry north wind should have pretty much dried things out by now.  I tried to make my way through the woods, but once I started down towards lower ground, it got muddy and mushy.  I would have been slipping and sliding (and probably falling) all over the place if I had continued.

Old tree in the woods

The vegetable garden area, which is on slightly higher ground, is almost dry enough for tilling.  That also means it’s almost dry enough for me to start to work on cleaning up the asparagus bed.  It will, however, be a while before we can consider planting anything.

I stayed out for over an hour today, enjoying the light, the blue of the sky, and even the chill and fresh scent of the north wind.  It was invigorating, on many levels.

Today's view of the pond from the timothy grass meadow

Old Man Winter may think he’s got a grip on us, but if you look closely you will find that Spring has not been completely halted in her mission of growth, rebirth, and renewal.

New life popping up

I think those might be the day lilies.  The area where I found them is the right place for them, and I can’t think of any other flowers that might be growing there.  We’ll see, as time goes on, how good my memory is.

Catkins against a blue sky

Going outside on a daily basis is easier and much more enjoyable when I give up the whingeing, and go out with a sense of adventure and discovery.  So go ahead, North Wind.  Bring it on.  It’s not going to keep me indoors.

Fire in the sky -- last night's sunset as seen through the woods

I’ll find other ways to keep warm.

8)