This is the showshoe hare. It changes colour in the winter. It adapts. Well, good for the showshoe hare. I'm very pleased for it. But I don't adapt, and I've had enough of this winter.
The year is divided into four seasons; right? Twelve months divided into four = three months each. Fair enough. But this winter has had its three months - and some -and is now being greedy. The birds are beginning to sing (albeit rather nervously) and one or two green things are poking recklessly out of the soil, but IT IS STILL WINTER. We need sun. We need spring. It's my birthday this week, and my mother (who had been known to embelish the truth, but never mind that) used to tell me how I lay in my little cot beside her in hospital under boughs of prunus blossom that someone had brought in (aaaah!). Well, I certainly won't be lying under boughs of prunus - or any other kind of blossom - this year.
My birthday is this week, as well, and I can't think of a time when we weren't living in Alaska that I was looking at below-freezing temperatures and a dense snow pack on my birthday... I'm not in favor.
ReplyDeleteI knew it, Nevets - we're both Aquarians!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you saying about the birds beginning to sing. I've noticed a few hopeful little tweets and chirrups at first light recently and I keep thinking Spring can't be far away.... can it?
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
The wood-pigeon on our neighbour's roof has begun warbling, but I'm not sure if he ever actually stops. And we have verges full of snowdrops, which look very brave and hopeful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa. But I think the birds are looking at their calendars rather than out of the window!
ReplyDeleteHI, Joanna. Yes - the snowdrops are amazing this year (or is it just me noticing them more?). Perhaps there's hope after all.
ReplyDeleteAll the way. :)
ReplyDeleteAt least the days are getting longer now. And the snowdrops and crocuses are out. Spring can't be far away.
ReplyDeleteSpring is coming...I got out on my bike for the first time since September at the weekend and--this is the clincher--put the roof down on the convertible.
ReplyDeleteThen it rained for three straight days.
Hi, Alis. Crocuses are good. Not sure that snowdrops count...?
ReplyDeleteTim - I hope you managed to put the lid back on before it rained. My first honeymoon was spent touring Europe in a very leaky very old convertible. I had to use an umbrella inside it.
Happy birthday, Frances!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree - winter has outstayed its welcome. But (here in Essex, anyway) we've had a few hours of sunshine today, which does give me hope. Soon, soon, very soon ....!
Thanks, Olivia! I don't much look forward to birthdays any more, but we're going away for a luxury night tomorrow, and on Saturday having a family get-together, which will be lovely.
ReplyDeleteYes - I woke up at about six this morning, and there was definitely if not a dawn chorus, a kind of twittery warm-up. Has to be good!