SPRING???

~ Minnesota April 19, 2013 Snowstorm ~

 

Many of you are probably enjoying warm spring breezes, the joyful sounds of birds singing,

 the sight of green blades of grass and spring flowers, possibly even a chance to

dig in the earth of a garden or two...

 

But...

 

for those that live in northern Minnesota, winter has chosen to be stubborn this year.

We should be able to hear the joyful sounds of birds singing, feel some warm spring breezes,

possibly even see a few blades of green grass and a spring flower here and there.

 

Alas, instead we have had 3 major snowstorms

here in the last 2 1/2 weeks, with snow flurries many of the days in between

and winter cold temperatures to go with.

Yesterday's predicted snowstorm began as a storm with 4-6 inches,

as it got closer it became 8-10 inches,

but it was never predicted as 16-20 inches which is what this area received!

 

The above image is what I saw as I looked out the bedroom window this morning!

(The blotches on the image are wind splattered snow spots clinging to the window.)

 

~ Snowstorm at Gardens' Keep April 19, 2013 ~

 

I grabbed the camera and headed to our front door.

When I opened it, this is what greeted me...17+ inches of fresh snow!

(DH had already made a trail to the firewood pile.)

 

The Duluth airport has now recorded 115.3 inches of snowfall for this season,

and since our snowfall has been a bit greater than theirs

that means...

we have more than our share of snow for this season!

Winter push up and move on!

It's time for Spring!!!

 

 



Fledglings

~ Baby Sparrows ~

 

~ Newly Hatched Robins ~

( This nest was built on top of our 3 foot high phone box!) 

 

~ Baby Robins ~

 

Nature always seems to balance itself out somehow. If Spring comes early one year,

it seems to come later the next.

Last year Spring came very early to northern Minnesota, one of the earliest on record.

In contrast, this Spring is taking its time, peaking its head out ever so slowly.

 

One day it snows giant sticky snow clumps that cling heavily to branches, weighing them nearly to the ground. The next day the sun shyly peaks out from great gray clouds,

just enough to slowly melt the heavy white covering deposited on roof tops,

vehicles, trees, and anything else that stood out under the early Spring sky.

 

Nothing can be done to speed the coming of Spring,

but oh how I long for its warmth, the smells of the earth coming alive,

the beautiful singing of birds that have returned to raise their young,

and the sight of lakes shimmering, reflecting the beautiful blues of warming skies.

 

Nothing can hurry Spring,

but to remind me of what awaits when it arrives, I look back on images captured last year.

Gardens' Keep flourishes with life, and the cedars I planted years ago

are favorite nesting spots for both Sparrows and Robins.

 

Above are images of baby birds in three of the eleven nests I discovered last year! 

I wonder, how many will I discover this year? 

 

 

 



Early Spring in Minnesota

~ Early Spring Snowstorm ~

 

This is what I see outside today...5 inches of new snow from an early Spring snowstorm

(and still it's snowing).

The snowflakes are so large,

and on closer view I see what looks to be more than 50 snowflakes clinging to each other.

 

Spring 2013 seems to be coming very slowly to northern Minnesota.

Many are anxious for warmer weather,

as am I.

 

Upon looking back into my diary

 it is surprising to see that Spring 2012 had made its appearance to us

by the middle of March.

On St. Patrick's Day we were spoiled with temperatures in the middle 70's

no snow on the ground, frog croaking, butterflies fluttering past,

 and Spring birds singing. 

The ice on local lakes had all but melted away 10 days later. 

 

Spring 2013 appears to be weeks away from the sightings written above!

 

Thankfully, even though this winter still persists

the Gardens' Keep greenroom has burst into welcoming shades of green.

Potted geraniums, daylilies, and heirloom iris

have joined the resident sage and primrose plants with blooms

in blues, purples, pinks, red, wine, and yellow,

their sweet scents wafting throughout Dragonfly Cottage.

 

~ Gardens' Keep Greenroom ~

 

The plants in the greenroom are such a welcome sight to eyes weary

of barren trees and winter snow,

and provide reassurance that as the days lengthen and the sun strengthens,

Spring truly is on its way!

 

~ Wishing you sunny, warm, whimsical days ahead! ~

:0)



It's Birthday Giveaway Time!

 

It's getting very close to my birthday again!

 

~ And that means it's time for a gift giveaway,

because I LOVE to give! ~

 

This year I have prepared a special package

with a little of this and a bit of that.

 

Some items in the package contain a wee bit of my artwork,

and maybe even some of my photography!

A few items have never been available in my shop!

 

Once again I would love for you to come celebrate with me!!!

 

So...whether you are young or old, and live near or far,

if you would like to participate in this year's Birthday Giveaway, just leave a comment below this post from now until March 6th, 2013 before the clock strikes 9 P.M. Chronicles of Whimsy time.

 

Please, don't forget to include a link or email address so that I can be sure to contact you

if you are the lucky winner of the special gift package!

 

The winner of this giveaway will be drawn from the Great White vessel

by Mr. Whimsy on Thursday the evening of March 7th, 2013,

and will be announced on this post.

 

~~~

 

~ Good Luck Everyone! ~

 

I wish you a wonderfully whimsical day!


....*....
This year's birthday has come and gone

and now

it's time to announce

the winner

of this year's Birthday Giveaway!!!

And

... the winner is ...

Tammie Lee!!!

Congratulations Tammie!

And I want to thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes!!!

~ Thank you so much!!! ~

:0)

 

 

Star Showers ~

~ Star Showers ~

 

Little Pegasus sits high atop a mountain cliff,

watching the stars shoot through the night sky.

 

~*~

 

"Star Showers" is the newest ACEO (2 1/2" x 3 1/2")  print addition to my Etsy shop.

 

~~~~~

 



Waiting for Spring ~

~ Spring Nest ~

 

Oh how I long for warmer days,

the return of summer birds singing sweet songs,

and sounds of frogs peeping in nearby ponds.

The smell of fresh earth,

scents of flower blossoms opening in the apple trees,

and newly fallen rain.

 

I love all of the seasons

but Spring is my favorite,

watching for signs of renewal and rebirth

after short winter days of cold and darkness.

 

Last year Spring arrived to northern Minnesota very early

giving warmth with the sounds and scents I love

to us in middle March.

We wonder, when will it appear this year.

 

When does your Spring arrive?

~*~

 

 



A Valentine for You!

 

~ Wishing you a most deliciously sweet

or whatever's your treat

Happy Valentine's Day! ~