Friday, January 28, 2011

Subtle Signs

Last year at this time I was whining about the massive amounts of snow and/or ice we had been blessed with throughout the winter season.  It seemed like I was never ceasing to yearn for the warmth and signs of spring.  This year has thus far been the exact opposite.  While so many others are getting themselves covered with a white winter blanket and at times a little more, we have not had any moisture for the entire season. 

I do not miss the snow that much, as last year I did get my fill of it.  Yet a nice quiet snow fall would be nice as long as it happened on a weekend and I did not have to be anywhere else.  A nice pot of warm stew simmering in the stove with fresh bread in the oven.  A rich cup of dark Irish tea with honey.  Sounds sort of nice actually.

We have had some cold temperatures yet even there they have been few.  Today was 64 and tomorrow it is to be in the 70s.  With the dryness and the high winds, wildfires have been our biggest worry as of late. 

Even my birds seem to not need me as much as they usually do during this winter.  I have not bought near as much seed as I normally do.  I have even seen signs that make me think they may be thinking about pairing up for mating. 

While messing around in the yard today I stumbled across something I found quite different for the middle of winter.  A couple of small stands of mushroom.  Granted they were nestled in a nice bed of dry leaves as if to shelter them from the coldness if it did drop below a comfortable temperature. 

One group almost looked as if the fairies had been out enjoying them leaving odd almost rune like symbols carved into them.  A sign of an early spring perhaps?  I do not know.  It is only a little under 8 weeks away from officially starting.  The days are beginning to lengthen once again as well. 

Have you seen any signs that spring may be close at hand?  Or has old man winter decided to lengthen his visit with you just a bit longer. 

15 comments:

Robin Larkspur said...

I love your runic mushrooms, how sweet. I do envy you your lack of winter weather. I am in the Syracuse NY area, and we always have whopping amounts of snow. The cold has been quite severe this year too. Climate wise we should celebrate Imbolc on Ostara's date, and Ostara on Beltane's date. But hope does spring eternal, for warmer days! You will probably get a big snow storm now that you have talked about how little snow you have had! Take care. Robin.

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Yes, I have seen seeds bringing bouquets of smiles and a small rain of tears to bless them. You are such a blessing and so very kind. We love you Mother Moon and a young one is so blessed. The Olde Bagg, Linda

Quite a garden will someday come from kindness freely given and seeds of paying it forward planted in a growing, grateful heart.

Sydnii said...

Your offhand comment that tomorrow will be in the 70s for you almost made me cry. The warmest temperature I've seen in WEEKS has been 35ish. Here in NEMO, we're still blanketed with snow. Spring isn't even close!

mxtodis123 said...

I'll try to send some of this snow your way. We've had far too much of it this year. The city can become a dangerous place for someone with back problems like me when it snows, and it seems to never clear up before the next storm is upon us. We've actually broken the 1890 record for snowfall in January and still more on the way next week.
Mary

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I would gladly send you a bit of snow if I could! :) There is nary a sign of spring in sight. In fact, I shall need to break out the snow shoes to get across the yard! I LOVE seeing your wonderful bird photos...they brought a smile to my face. :) Our birds have frequently the feeder we ensure to keep full for them. Today I spotted a cardinal couple and a few little juncos. They paid us no mind, as we kept ourselves busy shoveling. Enjoy your evening - and I shall try to send winter wishes your way...Theresa

Teresa said...

I am so relieved this winter has been much better than last year. It's been a bit cold, but normal snows. Our days are starting to lengthen, but that's about the only sign so far.

brandi said...

~hhhmmm...a little mischief in the garden!!! truly a sign from them...hehehe...beautiful photos...the other day i noticed our tulips are coming up...buds on our quince tree but everything else is still laying dormat...hard to believe only 8 more weeks...i am like you...weather mild and a nice little flurry of flakes would be a bit nice...much love light and blessings~

Wendy said...

You sound like you're having So. Cal weather. I wish we had great thunderstorms and rain, but it's also been a very mellow winter, what else is new, right? I can just smell the scents of a premature spring here, not from any particular flower, but you know how you can just smell the differences? I love your mushrooms, they remind me of the little dancing mushrooms from the movie "Fantasia".

Illustrated Ink said...

Ha, well Spring does seem at hand here, since it's 73 degrees today...While I enjoy our mild Winters, I do miss a gentle snow fall. There's nothing like that quiet hush that fall over everything. Those mushrorom patches are adorable, I love it when they spring up!

Tiffany said...

Hi there Mother Moon-

I am in MA and we are on the cusp of breaking the record for the most snowfall in the month of January. The earth has been a blanket of white since December 26th. It was beautiful at first. Unfortunately the natives are beginning to get restless...

Yesterday afternoon I was pleasantly surprised when I looked out the window at 4:30 and saw that it was lighter out.

The Jenko birds have been regulars at the feeder. They are so cute. I love when they ruffle their feathers. It makes them appear pudgier than they actually are. My Bella kitty holds vigil at the window waiting for them to swoop in.

Brianne said...

Your fairies must know that Imbolc is just a few days from now. Some celebrate this day as the first day of Spring. When we begin to see the quickening in nature. Just like you have seen. How fun to read who sees it, because it is the subtle crossing from Winter into Spring. Only those who really are attentive to life seem to notice. Come visit me at Under the Florida Maples and two posts ago I celebrate the redbuds on "my" Maple. She, my Maple, is my symbolic measurement of time and seasons. Enjoy this exciting time. Peace. Brianne

Anonymous said...

I have yet to see any signs of spring. We are one of the states with the excessive amounts of snow, having already surpassed our seasonal average.

I love the fairy runes in the mushrooms! I believe the woodland fairies are keeping our large beautiful ferns alive through this winter.

Bogaman said...

Thanks for sharing your spring weather. We are still in the snow and ice here. Can't wait to get the bike out. X.

Unknown said...

No signs of spring here although I am preparing for Imbulc and throughly enjoying the prep for this first offical one for me. We are still covered in a blanket of white.

Ponderosa Pagan said...

In my garden out front one of the plants that hibernates during winter is starting to grow new leaves and buds. It is a very exciting time!