A Pseudo Spring

A woodpecker moves up and down the maple tree, pecking at a breakfast of–what? Tiny insects? My neighbor’s tulip tree is about to flower. Jonquils and hyacinths are blooming. It looks like spring is here early this year. But, wait! What’s this I hear about Tuesday night and Wednesday? Just so we don’t get too […]

Will He See His Shadow?

Today is Groundhog Day. The big question is: will he see his shadow? If the groundhog wakes up, pokes his head above the ground, and sees his shadow, he is so frightened that he disappears into his den again and we have six more weeks of winter. So goes the old belief which probably nobody […]

Rattle of Ice

Ice rattles on leaves this morning as freezing rain falls. Of all winter weather, this is my least favorite kind. I wonder about the birds. Do they have thickets to hide in? I think a well-placed frozen raindrop on a feathered head just might do it in. There’s no wind. The trees stand stiff and […]

Secrets

Secrets

An Icy Grip

Yesterday, I buzzed here and there, getting ready for the predicted cold weather. Lawn chairs, patio table, hoses all went into the storage building and garage, outside faucets were wrapped, and bird feeders were filled.  A thunderstorm moved through around midnight, warm air protesting against frigid air crowding in. But, the cold won and this […]

The Cozy Shivers

When my grandchildren were small, we sometimes entertained each other by making up stories. Such was the case one cold, winter day several years back. “Let’s tell scary stories,” I said. “OK,” they agreed. I went first. I thought I was doing pretty well, building up to an exciting and shivery climax. “Mem, that’s not […]