robin

Lang Elliott on Google Images

Saw two robins the other day.

3/25/08

A couple of revealing moments about life in a cold climate. This morning on our walk, we ran into Barb & we all commented about how it was getting lighter out. About two minutes later we were walking by Cacky's house. I heard a high pitched, repetitive sound. I couldn't figure out what it was. It sounded like maybe a squeaky fan that might be running in their basement. Finally, it dawned on me what was making that sound. It was a single bird singing to the rising sun. In a few weeks, there will be hundreds of birds doing the same thing. It has been so long since I had heard that sound. It seemed like a miracle!
To a lesser degree, I experienced the same feeling yesterday walking over to production. The snow on the lawn has been receding, and it disappeared completely over the weekend. That which had been covered with snow, and invisible for so long was revealed. Again, it seemed like a miracle.
On the one hand, there's something a little pathetic about living in a place where a singing bird is considered a miracle. On the other hand, it's a gift. Complacency is one of the greatest killers of the joy of living. Living in a cold climate continues to offer opportunities to appreciate and savor the small miracles of life. In many ways that is the heart of this daily journal.
Opossum seen along the road in West Rutland.