Springtime in the Woods

Springtime, at long last, is here. The days are longer, the nights are warmer—it’s my favorite time of year. Time passes much too quickly, though, and in fact, spring is almost over. I haven’t had a chance yet to appreciate the season, being caught up in my routine. But, as my little dog, Lucy, made me pause, insisting that I take her out back, I stepped out into an especially nice day, and found myself standing under a warm blue sky.

I live in the woods and am surrounded by nature, so sometimes I just don’t notice the wonders that are there. A gentle rain shower had just moved through, and the sun was shining brightly, shimmering on the soft grass. The aspen and alder trees are now heavy with fresh new leaves, all against the pines in a flood of brilliant green, the dogwoods spotted with pretty white flowers.

My loyal perennials are in various stages of rebirth, my old-fashioned-bleeding-heart plant an early bloomer, beautiful with petite hearts. The wildflowers that are scattered nearby the creek’s bank are in bloom, their petals pastel shades of blue, yellow and pink.

Wild Rhododendrons.

Soon, I will plant my garden with organic herbs and vegetables, in the hope of a bountiful harvest. The wild blackberry and salmonberry bushes are already flowering, their tender yet thorny vines cascading down the slopes.

Blackberries flowering on the Hillside.

I see that some of my trees are missing by the creek, telltale evidence that the beavers are out of their dens and thriving in the dark of night. I can’t truly say that they are thieves, though, for they own the forest. As does the raccoon that I once spotted high up in a towering pine…the shy chipmunks and squirrels…the deer and the eagle…

The blue jays and colorful songbirds that I feed are back, nesting in the trees. They reward me with bright songs for my bread, and I am proud and yet humbled that they consider me a caretaker for their young.

A blue jay snatching a crust of bread.

I’ve also heard the excited calls of the flocks of geese and ducks as they returned to their summer home, the nearby lake. They, like me, know that an abundance of delectable fish swim beneath the sparkling surface. What an adventure it will be to catch them—one that I, and my family and friends, will embark upon. Adventure…

It will be a pleasant time, even with the sweltering heat to come—fishing and picnics, bonfires under starry skies…

Lucy came up beside me, her tail wagging, urging me to stay outdoors. Even my four cats ventured out to join me, to lazily enjoy the day.

I felt the sun—the glorious sun—touching my cheeks, and I took a hint from my wise companions, finding this a moment to savor.

Lucy inhaling the sweet scent of spring

Lorelei:)