We set out for just a short walk, with some hope of making it longer. I think we got halfway. Toby was enjoying the walk the whole way. Passing the young cattle and continuing through the forest, we both walked in silence, having short moments of rest and contemplation.
Nature is explicably beautiful now… You have to possess the skill of a poet to express it. The fragrances, colours, activity, birdsong, everything expresses such a simple joy of life which is a blessing to be part of.
Those small, quiet and hidden moments are the ones I like the best…
Spring is here and with it the birds, the starlings skillfully mimicking their fellow birds, while enthusiastically flapping their wings, the larks’ joyous exclamation as they rise in the air, the cranes’ melancholic calling echoing from the moor, the frogs singing in the lakes and ponds. Not forgetting the fragrance, first damp forest air, then coltsfoot, followed by the rising sap of the trees and bushes. Euphoria, as life returns to these parts of the world.
The spring flowers have started to bloom too, daffodils, snowdrops, crocuses and early tulips.
It is strange to think that for just one and a half month ago the landscape was covered with a thick layer of snow on top of the deep frozen ground.
But a week ago a so called ‘setback’ arrived with 30 cm of snow and strong wind. We did our best to feed the birds that had arrived. I have never seen so many birds at our bird feeders. We tried to figure out what different kinds of food could satisfy all the species. Thankfully we have barns with cattle and sheep. This showed itself to be safe havens for many birds among them song thrushes.
Some of the birds feeding.
Thankfully it only lasted two days. Then it melted and the spring returned. This is so typical for April here; one day spring, then winter returns for a day, telling that we live close to the Arctic. This setback was tougher than most though, the coldest in 68 years.
A sunny day between the snowy days. Is it so late in the year now, the sun quickly melts the snow. Toby is sunbathing for a while. An old variety of daffodils, which was already growing here when my parents arrived here.
I’m happy now for the birds and plants, thriving in the damp warm spring. There are few things that fill me with such joy than to see life returning here. I’m always amazed by the transformation.. I hope both plants and animals will get a good year in all respects.
January has been dominated by low temperatures. But as always, the sun is slowly returning; the afternoons have become longer. Still the shadows are long when walking both in the morning and in the afternoon.
This afternoon Toby sat down waiting for me. He does that often, in anticipation of playing in the field.
At last a peaceful walk in that characteristic yellow light of winter.
The golcrests accpmpanied us in the forest, the mallards as we walked along the still lively river, and for some time we followed wolf tracks from one wolf.
To walk, breathe the fresh air, watch the low-key beauty, without demands that is for me a true rest.
Only around half past one, but the sun is already setting. Toby full of enthusiasm by the brook. The lake was frozen.
I went out to check on the cows. I found them in their favourite place, a hill where the wind could blow more freely. I wonder if they also like the view. I go there for both the view and for the peaceful atmosphere. Small and bigger woods are followed by fields in a pittoresque pattern which makes it special.
Wonderer of Nature 