Slowly the earth is warming here in Northern Vermont. My bedroom floor is littered with clothes as I attempt to dress for the changeable weather. Wool undershirts are still a stand by but perhaps a cotton top…dare I let go of my wool long sleeve tops? No, not yet. My granddaughter was prancing around the yard in her underwear, inviting me to feel the warmth. The breeze still feels cool but if you find the right spot out of the wind, you can feel the warmth which can quickly become hot. It can feel so intense!
Yesterday, a grey day, overcast with some rain. As I looked out the window, later in the day, I saw tiny flecks of white in amongst the raindrops. These grew until it was a flurry of big fluffy white snowflakes. Soon, it looked like a blizzard swirling outside. The daffodils who had been adventurous enough to open their golden blossoms to the sun, were bowing down to the ground under the weight of the snow. I grabbed my winter coat, which was still in the pile to be put away for the season, and headed out for a snow globe walk. It wasn’t too cold yet bundling up felt good. The moisture had not turned to ice so it was a lovely walk without the risk of falling.
Later the power went out. I had made dinner but the sink was full of dishes. The water tank was empty as the pump needs electricity to draw the water from the well. I have jugs of water on hand for these times. I was grateful that it was not frigid outside as my propane heater relies on electricity to turn on. Poor designs …..why should everything need electricity to work? Fortunately, I have a gas stove which I can light with a match so I made myself a cup of tea. I then dressed in woolens and hopped into bed to read by candlelight. It was a different sensation, softer light, a circle around me like a cocoon. I nestled in. Later I heard the heater kick on and got up to turn off a light that had been left on. Power back, wonderful.
Today, it is sunny and bright and the temperature is a warm 69 degrees! I stripped down to my undershirt (my light wool one) as I worked planting wildflower seeds in the garden. It is hard to believe that we are leaving winter behind. I am daring to plant seeds, trusting that yesterday was the last day of below freezing temperatures.
I wanted flowers for my eldest son’s wedding which will take place on the summer solstice. A short window to grow flowers but some will surely bloom in time. Some were 25 days, some 30, many 50 or more days. I just checked their wedding site that counts down the days…..53 days. I have asked the elementals to assist so that we are assured plenty of blooms to decorate the barn and add to the magic of the day.
The garden is at my former husband’s and his partner’s place as they have a large veggie garden with soil that he has tended each year. He gave me room for this cutting garden so that it won’t matter if I harvest most of the blooms. As I was driving out to his place, I realized that I had forgotten my gardening gloves and trowel. My next thought was, “That’s fine, I can depend on ________.(my former husband). I laughed and repeated those words again. I could depend on __________. Tears sprang to my eyes as I felt the truth of those words. After all of these years of knowing one another, after heartache and hard times, it was true. He has become a dear friend that I can depend upon. What a gift!
I drove down the road singing to myself, songs of gratitude for power, for sunshine, for the sun’s warmth, for the opportunity to dig in the dirt, for a friend who is there for me, for my body that feels alive in a new way, for the first buds appearing…..a bouquet of gifts. I drank them all in. Spring! An elixir divine.