And it’s just in the nick of time
Rise and Shine
The clock read 7:06 AM, and the first day of spring had arrived. A faint pink hue appeared in the sky, slowly turning to a brilliant orange as the sun rose behind the towering pine trees. Wisps of low clouds hovered on the horizon for contrast, creating an array of pastel colors before giving way to deep blues. I watched with anticipation as the sunrise gradually revealed itself to me, a reminder of hope that this season would be different than the last.
The sun’s pale yellow rays were beginning to peek through the blinds, signaling the start of a new season. I pulled back my quilt and stepped out of bed, feeling the chill from the freezing floorboards. But despite the cold, I could tell the temperature in the cabin was already rising thanks to the thick log walls keeping it insulated. With promises of warmer weather tonight, I decided to keep my door open so I could smell the fresh morning air when I woke up tomorrow. The forecast predicted the mid-50s – if I closed my newly-installed front gate outside first, perhaps I’d be able to leave my door open all night.
Rural Living
I slowly approached the gates that encircled my property, swinging them open on their well-oiled hinges. The crisp evening air was calm and peaceful, with only a few birds calling in the distance. I had grown accustomed to keeping the gates closed at night when more visitors were out and about, but there were still some days when I felt comfortable enough to keep them open.
The familiar creak of the porch swing beckoned me as I stepped onto my front doorstep and swung the doors wide with just the mesh of the screen door between me and any possible intruders. It reminded me of simpler times before society had become so guarded and fearful—times when trusting your neighbors was commonplace. It made it all the more satisfying to be able to enjoy those same freedoms here.
Living in Another Era
The old cabin is like a relic from another era – the only cooling at the moment being provided by the wind. I love days when the air temperature is mild, causing a gentle breeze to whisper through the cracks of the old window frames, carrying with it scents of nature as if gently reminding me that I am not alone in this place. But lately, summer temperatures have been rising higher than usual, pushing me to seek relief by closing up shop and turning on my air conditioning unit.
The harsh cold of the “big freeze” still lingered in everyone’s memory. Windows were frosted over, cars wouldn’t start, and pipes burst from the extreme temperature. But now, as spring approached, the sky was painted with the most magnificent colors – rich purples, pinks, and oranges all mixed together into a masterpiece that only nature could create. The clouds hung like long strips, creating an ever-changing backdrop to the awakening world below. It was a sight to behold, one that filled hearts with joy and anticipation for what the coming season would bring.
Nature (and the Horses) Celebrates
I squint against the brightening morning sky and watch the horses before me. Hollywood walked in a circle in his private pasture, while the two horses sharing the adjacent paddock stood side-by-side, heads held high as they whinnied and snorted at one another. They galloped along the fence line between their two fields, kicking up clumps of damp grass in their wake. As I watched them leap and buck against the backdrop of a brand-new day, it seemed like they were celebrating the arrival of spring.
I sat on the back porch, sipping coffee and watching a female cardinal hop from branch to branch before landing on the black oil sunflower seed feeder. She pecked at the seeds for a moment before flying over to the general seed feeder. A thought floated through my mind, and I wondered if I needed to refill the sunflower seeds or if she was just being choosy. But as I watched her flit about, I realized it was probably the former; she deserved more than just scraps.
Changes Come Even in One Day
At lunchtime, the bright blue morning sky had been replaced by grey clouds, casting a chill over the already cool day. A light breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it hints of winter. I felt the temperature drop a few degrees as the sun was hidden behind thick cloud cover. It felt like nightfall, except that I knew better; there would be no warm-up today, but overnight temperatures would remain steady. With any luck, tomorrow would bring back the sunshine and much-needed warmth.
I stepped outside, inhaling the chill air and wrapping my wool scarf around my neck a bit tighter. The sky was grey, with heavy clouds threatening to open up at any minute. I had been so looking forward to this walk, a celebration of the first day of spring, but it seemed that I would have to wait until later in the day when the sun shone a little brighter and the temperature rose by a few degrees. Under this dull atmosphere, even the slightest hint of sunshine would be enough to make me feel better.
The grass in the yard was an unkempt mess, a mix of weeds and patches of green that had grown tall over the cold winter months. Last week, it looked as if someone had taken a mower to it—now it had shot up another 6 inches in height. It seemed to grow overnight, spurred on by the sudden warmth of the impending springtime. I could almost feel my exercise routine quickening with the coming change of season; it was time to break out the lawn mower and tame the wild grasses.
