SPRUNG SPRING SPREE

Easter Sunday started magically in my suburban, still-iced-over lake setting.

I woke at 7AM to a whooooosh of fog out my wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows. So thick, I couldn't even see the other side of lake at first glance.

Over the next few hours, the fog ever so slowly rose and fell under the waning moon high overhead. I was transfixed by its tease.

Out on the point, the line of deciduous treetops would slowly peep out and then, tantalizingly, disappear once again.

When the fog finally lifted, what a spectacular sight! Five, white pelicans bobbing in a narrow ribbon of open water off that point. Glistening in bright sunlight.

Sunday afternoon, as the temperature hit a surprising 70, the pool cover was opened to scoop off leaves and top off the water.

Couldn't resist, so I grabbed a book and dangled bare feet in the chilly pool. Especially alluring just two weeks after a shocking 9" plop of heavy, wet snow had smacked us all in the face and drooped our spirits.

Extended family gathered for our Easter supper. I'd made my usual deviled eggs. Bacon and black olive garnishes this time. Some of us ate on the sunny stone terrace. Watching ducks and geese call out and circle in the widening swath of opening shoreline water.

A lone muskrat even paddled by. A delight to spy from afar, but not thrilled when one waddles up onto the terrace in search of a meal.

Later, Ollie, my silvery yorkie-mix, and I set off for a walk. As we rounded a bend, two young deer eyed us silently from down the lane. Finally bounding into the woods.

Monday morning, coaxed by that unexpected warmth, the lake had broken up into thin, but massive, sparkly black slabs. Ever on the move. At times, banging into each other in the brisk wind like mother earth's tectonic plates.

Other times, the slabs stopped and tinkled like 10,000 fairy chandeliers.

By the time Ollie and I sat on dock sections to marvel at the sunset, most of the lake had cleared. Not for us though.

The wind shifted once again so remaining ice had powered its way back into our bay. Huge, dark blob defying sunny warmth. No open water for birds to romp in that night.

Blessedly, on Tuesday morning, the last hold-out lake ice had sunk into mere memory. Save for a narrow skiff rimming the bay’s marsh area. So close to official ice-out.

Ollie eagerly sniffed the greening grass as we raked brittle oak leaves downed in all that wind. Of course, he had to find random goose poop.

I smiled at a wee pocket of purple crocuses poking through the garden. Life emerging.

By supper, not a smidgen of ice. Finally! As Ollie and I returned from our walk, the first fishing boat of the season eagerly plied the waters.

To cap spring’s burst, we thrilled to newly-returned loons out on the lake. Yodeling their wild siren call. Their haunting music stopped me in my tracks. As always.

Yes, spring may take its sweet time coming to the north country. Often way too long.

But sometimes nature’s magic is pretty swift and palpable. The timing, a sweet mix of anticipation and delivery. For all the senses.

So, all you feel is deep gratitude for the chance to start fresh again - along with the earth.

All's new. Everything’s possible.

May this spring reveal its ever-faithful promise (if it hasn’t already) in your corner of the world. As profoundly and beautifully as its spree swiftly unfolded here.

[Enjoy a bit of last summer's lush beauty across our lovely lake. I took this image sitting in a blue Adironack chair on the dock with Ollie, my yorkie-mix pup, curled up on my lap. Tantalizing taste of things to come in nature - and in this blog.... Photo by Linda Sorenson]

Linda Sorenson helps people, projects, and causes make a positive impact. As a writer, editor, and consultant, she draws on her unique global experiences at pivotal moments in time to make a joyful difference through all she creates. Puppets, songs, and active fun of her Organic Puppet Theatre: Health Activities Book workshops, shows, camps, etc. have helped 20,000+ young children value their bodies and get healthier and more active around the world Learn more at her website and then connect with her. Take flight together today!

#spring #nature