The winter of 2012-2013 was frightful. It didn’t really get going until December, but it built up a head of steam in March and April that would make you shiver. And not just from the snow, ice, and winds.
Here in Canada, our meteorologists report a phenomenon called “The Wind-Chill Factor” which tells us that even though it is -30 degrees outside and we think we are safe to leave the house clad in our long johns, two pairs of pants, three sweaters, a down-filled jacket, hat, scarf, mitts and boots, we’d better go back in and put on our super-cold-weather gear because with the wind factored in it actually feels like -80 degrees and several people have frozen to their front doorknobs and are waiting their turn to be rescued by the Paramedics who are also frozen but to the doors of their ambulances!
Okay, a slight exaggeration, but you get the point! I always told my daughters (who in turn have told their husbands and kids) that by the end of March every Canadian resident (except the poor souls who live in the Northwest Territories) can expect 90% of the snow to be gone. Not this year! I was getting irate calls from my grandchildren and demands to know what was happening.
At the end of April, there was a whisper of green on the tips of the trees along the Greenboro Trail. The grass on our front lawn has turned emerald-green in a matter of days. Our garden plants are poking their heads out to see if it is safe to emerge.
Heavenly blossoms.
By May 1, the snow was gone, and crocuses, daffodils, and tulips were dancing in the bright sunshine. The whole neighbourhood is alive. Men and women are smiling at each other and kids are playing at the park. There have been several baseball games being played and one young man actually asked me if the local pool was open!
My grandson, Owen, playing street hockey.
The scent of blossoms is fragrant in the air and the lilacs are just showing a tinge of purple and white. The temperature is hovering around 26 degrees celsius (around 80 F). John and I have been on our bikes and I am happy to say Tim Horton’s restaurant is showing a profit again since I’ve made it a regular stop on my adventures.
Forsythia on Echo Drive.
I have tried to describe the Miracle of Spring, but I can’t do justice to the feeling of joy in my heart at the beauty and wonder of God’s creation.
Daffodils.
Thanks for reading and have a beautiful, wondrous spring day. – Maureen
Old Girl New Tricks 