February morning

Got up as usual to the sound of the furnace kicking in about 5:30. Checked the wood stove, put on a pot of coffee, and ripped off today's copy of the sudoku. It was the blue hour, a magical time of day in February, but I wasn't paying attention. The lights were on in the kitchen, and I was working on my puzzle.

I heard the rumble of the snow plow coming up the lane and turned on the outside lights to assist him.  Flakes falling and spinning slowly out of the dark skies overhead, like tiny feathers. The floodlights showed them like tiny stars nestling into the snow bank.

A universe of mini constellations that shifted about as I moved from window to window to better observe their glow in the blue/white light.

The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us.
John Muir
Zen page-a-day calendar

Gemini

With temperatures in the teens and brisk winds, yesterday it was very uncomfortable to be outside. I got home late last night. The wind had calmed and the stars were out. The constellation Gemini, prominent high in the southern sky; Castor and Pollux, the twins. As usual, they were holding hands as they skipped their way across the heavens. Coyotes were howling from the hills in the back. They sounded cold and hungry. I was glad I could go in and sit by the wood stove for awhile before going to bed.

stirring

Things are starting to stir outside. While I haven't seen our heard any returning birds, some of the birds that have been around all winter are getting more active. I am hearing the usual spring call of the chickadee as they start to announce their territory for the spring nesting season. Saw a red squirrel scampering along the road this morning.

sugaring

I've always felt that the time between my birthday and Allyn's birthday has corresponded with the coldest part of the winter season. Yesterday Nathan Hewitt came by to say that he was going to start tapping. Temperatures moderating today for a few days. Temps above freezing during the day and below freezing at night, perfect for sugaring. It looks like the sugaring season has begun!

Happy 70th!

Happy 70th birthday to the world's nicest person!

My religion is very simple.

My religion is kindness.

Dalai Lama

coating of ice

Three inches of powder and clear skies overnight led to a morning low of -8. Steam rising out of the Ira creek covered the surrounding trees and bushes in a coating of ice. 

Frost heaves

A sure sign of spring in these parts (uh, ignore the snow).