Summer Solstice Arriving

Here Comes the Sun!

Dawn at Orange Lake - the Sun begins to rise above the hills

   It's almost that time of year again - when the Sun reaches into new heights after such a long dark snowy winter - anxious for the Sun to warm our weary bones. But it seems to arrive so fast once the Spring Equinox comes - for everything comes alive again - sometimes slowly and dormant under the latest rainy, cloudy skies and then a burst of heat and sunlight. So then the trees and flowers do bloom almost on time despite the delays. Although it seems we are about a week behind. And also even though the first blooms and buds were on the trees it still felt barren and not quite like Spring as though Winter was holding us in her grasp and not wanting to let go.

   I am also writing this a bit early because June will be a busy month for me - onto new beginnings and new adventures at home and in the world of business. Sometimes the Summer Solstice merely seems like an extension of Spring - all bound and wrapped up together like the new leaves unfolding.

   The word Solstice has the word "Sol" in it which appropriately means "Sun" or "Solar". Bringing warmth and heat and causing all things to grow further. As well the Sun has alot of solar storms lately and auroras are being seen again in the North but also dipping South. Is the world and nature changing?

   And many traditions celebrate the Sun with bonfires and ceremonies on the Solstice - to ensure the Sun's return each year. Cycles upon cycles with the planet spinning and the heavens doing their own cosmic and astronomical dance.

   As well of course this is another time of transition with the seasons - when we move away from the heavier foods of Winter and include more fruits and vegetables. Spring was a time of cleansing, and so Summer will be a time of ripening, followed by the harvest.

   I won't say much more except do enjoy this bountiful time of year. Get out and walk or ride a bicycle but do wear sunscreen daily.

   And most of all be well!

Maery

Bluebird - a Rare Visitor

Spring Arrival

   The official beginning of Spring is really just a few days away - but we are still recovering from blizzards and ice and snow! Really only now has the bay begun to thaw and towers of snow still cling to the landscape. Thankfully the bitter cold temperatures here have moderated and brings some relief.

   And yet the birds have already started their Spring songs here and there - twittering and coming alive. According to the internet the hummingbirds are already making their way north - although I have never been lucky enough to see one here. And yet my friend who lives about 4 miles north and on the edge of a wildlife preserve has had some hummingbirds come through. I did see a hummingbird last year but that was in the Catskills. I was making breakfast and looking out the window at the flowers and saw what I thought was a giant bumblebee. Upon a closer look saw that it was indeed a hummingbird hovering over the bright red flowers - their favorite. I went to get my camera but by the time I came back it was gone. And it was also my birthday so I considered that my gift!

   Unfortunately the plant life seems to have suffered greatly this winter. The hardy Mediterranean heather is barely blooming when it is usually full of bright pink bells even with snow on the ground. The vinca groundcover is completely crushed along the path to the back yard. The winter jasmine is not blooming and hanging by a thread. The andromeda tree out front looks like its leaves are burnt. But with Spring arriving things may rejuvenate and new growth should occur - even if in small.

   I've seen the rabbits occasionally - they are hiding in their burrow. The feral cat who thinks he owns the place still comes and sleeps under the cover of my lean to protection to keep snow and ice off the in spout for the oil delivery. He lies in the warm sunlight on my front stoop or in the driveway until a human arrives and then he runs. 

   As for us humans well Spring signals a natural flushing out of toxins accumulated over the Winter. So it is a time to shed and clean out, introducing more fruits and vegetables and less heavy foods like soups and stews. Everyone has their own cleansing routines - just make sure to do them. And also time to shed those winter pounds that have accumulated in the colder months.

   I've already started walking again - getting that sunshine when it's there and getting moving. Soon it will be time for yard work and just being outdoors.

   In about a month the trees will start to bloom - followed by flowers.

   Well we've all made it through a difficult Winter so let's rejoice in the fresh new start of Spring!

Be well,

Maery