Yesterday we had snow, then rain, then ice and then snow again. When I woke this morning it was a frigid 26 degrees.
You’d think I’d be used to spring snow. I’ve lived in southern New England all my life where the weather is anything but predictable.
I’m not.
Every time Jack Frost lays waste to the landscape I’m surprised. Yesterday Jack was having an exceedingly bad day.
While the pictures below show plants at their worst I assure you they’ll be fine. In a few day they’ll look as good as when it was in the sixties last week.
Hellebore (Helleborus sp.) thrives in weather like this. In a few days you won’t know the plant was under half an inch of ice and snow.Can you can see the layer of ice on this Japanese Cornel Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)?This pansy is in for a rough couple weeks. Most of the foliage will turn brown and die. Growth deep inside the plant will survive. It’s going to take time. I should have brought the plant inside BEFORE the cold weather arrived.These poor Daffodils (Narcissus sp.) were laid out on the lawn. I can’t say the flowers will look as good as they did before the snow. However, they will right themselves and shine again in a few days.Mr. Science Guy how does water run and freeze at the same time?The first thing I did this morning was get wood to build a fire. The twine holding the tarp is surrounded by thick ice.
After a day of office work I decided to take Theo for a walk.
It was a beautiful evening. The temperature was around 68 and the sun was shining. I admit I wasn’t in the mood for a walk. Too much office time drains my energy.
After 45 minutes of walking I had a choice.
Continue straight and be home in 15 minutes or take the dirt road to the right and add an hour and a half to my walk.
I chose the road less traveled.
I love dirt roads. I love old houses. I love walking through the forest. I love walking in the rain?
This dirt road was right where I wanted to be.
As Theo and I headed down the road a shower started with the low rumble of thunder.
I didn’t mind. The rain was warm.
While walking I saw some old-fashioned craftsmanship.
The arch through this stone wall gives the stream a stylish way through.The stream running through the stone wall. The job could have been done easier plenty of ways. None would have looked better.Here the masons used a large boulder to support the wall over the stream. I like how the masons tied the large stone into the wall.A rebuilt new england farm wall. Modern stone walls often have wide mortar joints and randomly cut stones for quick construction.There’s more to the story of this fence than stone posts and cedar rails. I’m sure that fence had different rails when it was originally built.Notice how the maple tree engulfed the stone fence post. I wonder if that Sugar Maple was planted to shade the house.
Theo and I left for our walk a little before six and returned a little after eight. We feel refreshed and renewed albeit a little damp.
This morning I stopped at McDonald’s to pick up breakfast. I was short 85 cents and asked for a moment to go to my truck for change.
The cashier didn’t hesitate to say, “Don’t worry about it.”
It’s moments like these that I realize how wonderful the world is.
While waiting for my meal I got the cashier the 85 cents. I don’t believe in taking advantage.
Thank you for your Random Act of Kindness.
P.S. The evergreen shrub in the foreground is a Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo sp.). Be careful when planting Mugo Pines, they don’t all stay as compact as you’d think.
