Goodbye Winter … Hello Spring!
Though we have been blessed with an unusually mild winter this year, there is just something about the arrival of “longer days” that is always a cause for celebration. I love being able to take a late afternoon walk or a ride in the truck after supper to see deer or turkey or maybe a hawk looking for his last meal of the day.
Seems that spring has arrived particularly early this year. It’s just the middle of March and I have already broken out in shorts and flip flops in public several times. The daffodils are already fading but they have been a joyful sight the last few weeks. Seems the whole world is in bloom. And the warm sunshine … I am almost as bad as our two dogs trying to follow the sunny spots as the sun crosses over our yard throughout day. I can’t soak up enough of it. When I walk, it warms my back and my old bones. It is so heavenly.
The wildlife around us has been stirring for weeks. I saw my first baby snake in mid-January. I saw another when I walked yesterday. There are wild turkeys everywhere. Since the first of the year, I have already seen over 400 turkeys either from my car or when I walk. I love it when I catch a big old gobbler fanned out in all his glory. It’s one of the rewards of living close to the river surrounded by woodlands.
From the truck we see groups of deer leisurely grazing in the late afternoons. They don’t spook so easy now. They have relaxed since hunting season went out in January. It’s as if they know they have months before they will be sought after again. On one of our sunset truck rides this past week, we stopped on the creek bridge in the curve just before you get to our house and cut the truck off to listen to the frogs sing. It’s one of my favorite sounds triggered by the warmer weather. I’ve missed our creek-side chorus over the winter.
For the last few days I have awakened to the sound of busy birds– singing and gathering bits of this and that to build their humble abodes. Not to be left out, the wasps incubating in the window behind my bed buzz and tap on the glass. The lady bugs too are reemerging though their return is much quieter.
As the days get longer, my thoughts turn to this year’s garden- what I’ll plant and how I’ll arrange it. With the prospect of a new garden on the horizon, I am dedicating myself to finishing up our stash from last year’s garden to make room for the new crop. As I have said before, much of what we eat comes from our garden, our farm or from friends who share their surplus bounty with us. This past week, a couple dozen beautiful brown eggs showed up on the back porch. I made a cake with 3 of them today. They were huge and had the most luscious golden yolks. I am dreaming of all the things that I can make with these prized fresh eggs- a gift from a kind neighbor (thanks neighbor!).
With all the nice weather that we have been having, it’s finally time that we can eat outside again. We did take our plates and eat out on a picnic table one warm night lately. I think that we may go up to the new (under construction) house across the road and eat on the front porch one of the next few days. I just love all the opportunities to be outside that spring brings with it.
Here’s to the good life … living and eating close to the land ~
Happy spring everybody~
Carolina Carol
CLOSE TO THE LAND 
And just last week while flying, Charles saw three cubs and a mama bear up a tree behind our house. Wildlife is also alive and well on County Home Rd. Thanks for reminding us to take the time to enjoy God’s gift of His magnificient creation!
Oh how wonderful to catch a glimpse of them. We see lots of bear tracks and catch them on the wildlife cameras here on the farm but I haven’t actually seen them in person. It’s good to hear from you and get your “wildlife report.” Stay in touch and enjoy your spring 🙂
Bill and I watched a documentary about the Appalachian Trail the other night. They put up a wild life camera on the trail and saw that all kinds of wild life showed up at night…even wild horses! It’s so cool that you have one on your property! I suppose that when Spring starts to show out on your property, you have a natural “River Dance.”
I Need to get me some farm fresh eggs. My daughter, Isaaca and her husband, Peter have 6 junior sized chicks. Two roosters and four hens. They put the roof on their new roof on their coop today. Too bad they live in Nashville, Tn. I won’t be able to raid the hen house. Enjoyed your blog as always…Makes me want to listen to blue grass music for some reason and go and eat at your house in your country heaven!
Donna Byrd
So love hearing from you Donna. I have enjoyed “getting to know you better” through your blog and I am happy that you are following mine. Would love for you and Bill to come and visit when you come to Tarboro sometime. We could listen to some blue grass and eat something from the garden. Let’s do it soon! Thanks for your message. Love to you and Bill
Hey cuz! Reading this post made me smile:) It is much the same where we are with all the wildlife and flowers peeping out to enjoy the weather. Ada has already been on several ladybug hunts and returned with DOZENS!!!! It’s her favorite thing to do in the spring. Mills let the girls plant a patch of wildflowers out in the barnyard at Mama’s last weekend. They are excited about watching them grow.
It’s so good to hear from you Millie. Though we live across state lines from each other, we really aren’t far apart for experiencing our seasonal cycles. I have always loved anything outdoors, including bugs, and I would love to go on a ladybug hunt with Ada 🙂 I know they are enjoying having Mills closer by. Thanks for your response to my blog. Love to you all~
Oh yes- think that spring has sprung a little earlier than expected this year- makes you want to get out and start planting- etc- and of course- could have that late spring snow- but normally they do not come with days of harsh cold temperatures- I think we are done with winter- Am still a little warry of planting seeds- but think am being over cautious-
I think we are on the way- to summer!
I think we are well on the way to summer too. Appreciate you taking a look at my blog and taking time to make a comment. Here’s to the promise of our new gardens and all their bounty!
I share your sentiments about the springtime. For the past 44 years that I lived in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, the true harbinger of spring, for me, was the cherry blossoms that lined the Tidal Basin. But now that I am back in Carolina, the smell of fresh turned soil in now my indicator that “spring has sprung.” I have a postage stamp sized garden, but nonetheless, I am thrilled to be tilling the soil again. I planted my Irish potatoes this morning. My dad was a stickler about having his in the ground by St. Patrick’s Day. Sorry dad, I am new at this.
I love the smell of freshly turned soil too. Beginning to plan my garden but nothing in the ground yet. I think that we must be kindred spirits. Appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and to comment. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Enjoy your blog
Thanks Dora. Appreciate your message and kind words. Would love to have you “follow” my blog. Please keep your feedback coming 🙂
Hi Carol,
First time reading your post, loved it. Makes me think how blesed I am to live in the country, most city folks call it the sticks. This time of year my hostas in the front yard are peeping out and so beautiful. Azalias are beginnng to bloom and I can,t wait for all the color of Spring to make it’s way out. Walking with my neighbor every other morning for our health and relaziation if my most favorite thing to do to start and energize my day. We await to hear the babbling brooks and the easy breezes help us up inclines as we make our way back home.
Much success with the posting.
Hi Doris~ It’s good to hear from you. Appreciate so much you sharing your perspective on the joys of spring. Glad to hear that you and your neighbor are walking and “taking in the sights and sounds.” Since this is your first time reading my post, I wanted to suggest that you read an earlier one that I wrote at https://closetotheland.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/my-native-heart/
Trust all is well with you and yours. My best to you 🙂