An Idyllic Day

Just wow

With the challenges of snow still fresh in my mind, I’m suddenly in a springtime paradise. Cool nights leave the yard dewy, while afternoons are usually hot and sunny. The farm animals are thriving and the birds are singing. My once-still wintery world is now bustling with excitement and activity.

Last Wednesday started late. Usually, Luci finds a way to gently wake me up - but this time she laid on my stomach purring. After giving her some chin scratches I fell back asleep for a half hour or so. After the extra sleep, I woke up slowly and started the kettle for my coffee.

‘Big Momma’ on the left and ‘Gingerbunny’ on the right.

I went to check on the animals. Newborn rabbits are delicate creatures, and there’s been some death. It’s a fact of raising bunnies, but it still bothers me. As I went to check on everyone, all bunny bodies were accounted for! Not only that, but my grumpy rabbit ‘Big Momma’ came to me for pats -something that never happens. She has exceptionally thick fur, and getting to feel her fluff while breathing the fresh morning air was a beautiful way to start the day.

No caffeine for you, kitty!

I sat on the bench outside and sipped my coffee, watching Luci chase flies adorably. The ruffed grouse have started making their drumming noises to entice a mate. On top of their bass rhythm, the spring peepers start their chorus as well. I don’t know which birds also chimed in to sing their song, but they completed the whole dance-party ensemble.

With a springtime song provided by the grouse and peepers, I went up the hill to check on the water. There’s a seasonal spring above the house, which feeds into a gravity system. As I watched the water flow well, I saw two snowshoe hares playing a game of tag. Hopping and spinning high up in the air, I could hear them grunting at each other.

Their bodies have mostly turned brown for the season but their feet have yet to change from wintery white.

With my heart entirely full I headed back down the hill. Along the way, I noticed that the dandelions and wild strawberries have begun to flower. A real sign of spring, I can hardly wait to munch on wild strawberries again. As I walked I chewed on some fireweed shoots. I decided to check on the nettle patch and what I found was amazing. Where there was nothing but small shoots a few days ago, there are now leafy little plants, ready to be picked. On top of that, I found a member of the mint family, catnip!

Catnip

The day clouded over and became an indoor day. It didn’t just cloud over, but the thunder began. From all sides, dark rumbly clouds. It was time to go inside and keep warm and dry.

Feeling moisture in the air, I started a fire. When everything is getting exciting and ramping up, being forced to sit still is frustrating but ultimately it gave me time to relax. I researched a few other plants that I saw and learned that catnip is considered good for anxiety- interesting!

Moody, rumbly skies

I love spring, the cool mornings make way for a warm midday and return to cool nights. The world is turning green, and I’m excited to try things that I learned over the winter. Soon, life will be in full swing and there won’t be as much time to stop and enjoy the little things. It’s best to breathe deeply and enjoy the calm. For dinner, I made spaghetti with nettles and enjoyed it by the fire.