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| The Fragments of Light as the Days grow longer |
It may not be Spring - no, far from it! But a few weeks ago, while hibernating in my cozy little house, I noticed at 5 pm and looking at the western sky from the small expanse of the window, that it was not completely dark yet. Yes, sunset has been gradually a minute or so later every few days, assurance that the Sun is making its journey back from the darkness of Winter.
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| The Last Leaf of Autumn poises on the edge of the Waterfall |
Yes Winter is a time of inward reflection, and a necessary cycle, but always hopeful when I know the days are getting longer. We all need sunlight, but for myself I am a person who enjoys the great outdoors and sunshine in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Yes I did go on my yearly hiking pilgrimage of sorts to the local mountains, ah yes, actually the foothills of higher mountains further north, but still it is the thought and sentiment that counts. It was above freezing, about 35 degrees fahrenheit, but a bit damp but able to walk and sit near my favorite waterfall. A year without ice, whereas many years the woods and trails and streams and waterfalls are completely frozen, with its own unique beauty. I never seem to tire of looking at the different landscapes, because for every visit, every day, it all seems to be a different perception of the same view.
And we were spoiled this Fall, but warm temperatures. Could it be a warm winter? I had hoped. Even though the Farmer's Almanac warned of a cold winter, I still foolishly hope for a mild Winter, mainly because I have to travel in the cold and snow during work.
As late as November I was at the ocean beaches, taking long walks and hikes, with just a long sleeve shirt or small jacket - unheard of at that time of year - where the Fall winds can be especially harsh.
Then came the early deep freeze, suddenly, with below zero temperatures. A shock for sure. Lasting longer than usual. Phone calls and stories came about frozen pipes. One Friday night the power suddenly went out. No heat or electricity and it was 15 degrees. The whole neighborhood was cloaked in darkness, and flashlights and candles could be seen in the windows. It was so cold something snapped in the wires or transformers. Eventually the power came back on but it was a reminder that Winter was indeed here.
Finally yesterday we had a mild day of 50 degrees, which felt like Spring. Although it had only been about a month, walking on the boardwalk by the water felt like it had been an eternity. Was it still the same sky, the water, the distant shore of Connecticut, the same marsh in the nature preserve? Different somehow, for time and nature always move on in spite of us and in spite of or because of the seasons and time.
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| Icy Shores |
The ice on the bay of course still sits on top of the water, the larger chunks seeming to cling to the shore. Every day people come to look at the icy shore and take pictures. It certainly is very still and quiet, the white of ice and snow so bright to our eyes that have become accustomed to muted light and darker nights.
But soon it will be Spring, my favorite time of the year. Until then I take my walks when I can and watch the sunsets, year after year, a ceremony or celebration of sorts for the glory of nature. That my friends, is natural living.
Maery
