It is 72 degrees, and just a hint of breeze coming from the northwest lightly cools my skin. Ragged and puffy white clouds dot and float across the crayon-blue sky above me.
All the birds are out in full-throated force, the smaller ones dart here and there, lightly landing and hopping on the ground, picking at the fallen seeds from trees, flowers, and wild grasses. Hummingbirds hang in the air, their long beaks poking down the throat of brightly colored flowers, the whirring sound of their rapidly flapping wings vibrating the air. Tree squirrels scurry across the open ground, grab an acorn, and then mechanically lift and turn their heads as they scout their path for the return trip to their tree house.
All five mares have new friends. The new neighbors released three geldings into the field that adjoins their paddocks. It is quite the scene to watch each of the five mares, ranging in age from two to 12, vie for the attention of the young, active males. For those who never think about the “talk” of animals, they should listen to these mares calling the geldings in various tones and pitches.
No doubt, spring has sprung …
We are moving into a new season, finally. The cold and wet of winter has hung around a bit too long this year, and all the problems associated with the winter are disappearing as well. No more leaks. Shoveling in the rain to divert water flow is history, for at least three more seasons to come this year. The sound and tug of mud sucking at my muck boots is over, as the boots now sit quietly in the corner, their selected spot until the rains return next winter. Cold air and grey frost is now warm air and green grass. Tiny green babies now dot the barren, brown ground that became my vegetable garden over the winter. Soon, these babies will grow, hiding the brown ground with a mass of green texture and shapes working their way toward splashing the green matt with subtle shades of red, orange, yellow, and green fruits and vegetables.
No doubt, the bounty of summer is on the way …
As a nation, we have survived the economic winter, a winter so harsh that the hangover is still with us – so many folks still looking for work; so many folks still losing their homes; so many folks still wondering if their retirement funds will be enough. For these folks, winter might not go away for some time. Knowing this makes the bright, lyrical song of the birds a bit more distant, not so bright, and tinged with a haunting tone. As sad as this is to me, I can look around and see the harsh economic winter turning to a better spring and summer. New unemployment claims are down four weeks in a row. Foreclosures are 2% less this year than last. The markets, which hold most of the retirement funds of so many are holding onto the gains of the last year, and although no promise is made, it seems the forward movement of the markets will haltingly continue. Yes, we must keep in mind those less fortunate, but, and as well, we must indulge in the regenerative power of spring and look forward to the bounty of summer.
Thanks all out there for indulging my “moment.”
Trade in the day; invest in your life …
