As I sit overlooking the gorge again I am fascinated to think that just last week I wrote about the thick blanket of snow reflecting the bright sunshine. Today all is in grays and browns. The sky is overcast and has been spitting a variety of precipitation at sporadic intervals. The bare earth pokes through thick leaf litter in small mounds. Evergreen fingers wiggle in the breeze.

We are all so tired of this long drawn out winter. Today is the first day of Spring, and like children at Easter we want there to be sunshine and Daffodils, and candy; there should always be candy. Instead we cradle our hot cups of tea or coffee or even hot chocolate to soothe our chilly spirits.

I am so tired of wearing shoes. I have not had bare feet except in bed or in the shower for almost 6 months. My slippers sit just in front of the door where I change out of my shoes and wait beside my bed. And socks! I never wore socks until I came to CNY and discovered how prudent t was to own good socks. This winter I purchased tall socks that would keep my ankles warm, or fold over the hems of my pants to chase away chill breezes.

Mud season has started. I choose my parking spots carefully to avoid creating ruts. I try to drive over the old ridges to even things out. If it is too cold that doesn’t work. My car is pulled into the frozen ruts like a bicycle tire on a cracked roadway. Gingerly I pick my way across the lawn to keep my sneakers clean.

The dog feels spring. She spends more time outside everyday as the warming air and melting ground reveal more enticing smells. Old and slow she lags far behind whatever prey she might have chased in her youth, but those smells! It is enough for her to trace their path. Perhaps in the deeper sleep the exercise brings her the chase goes on.