Saturday 15 April 2017

Spring

Tess and I are finding some different walks.   Obviously I can't take her for six mile runs, which she has been having while under the care of a friend.   But I take her about a mile on the long leash and allow her the freedom to sniff every blade of grass if she so wishes.

This morning I drove into town to collect the paper and then came back the long way round and called at 'our' lane.   Today there is a sharp, cold wind blowing but the sun is out and most of the lane is sheltered by trees.

In the distance we saw a hare; luckily Tess was on the long leash.   Not that she would have ever caught it, but I didn't want it scared and it gave me great pleasure to watch it.   We also saw the first orange tip butterfly and several bumble bees.

Celandines are out everywhere and the first dandelions are just beginning to burst into flower.
Everywhere the blackthorn, which is plentiful around here, is in full bloom.

All poignant reminders that the farmer is not here to see the emerging Spring.

31 comments:

Yorkshire Pudding said...

Physically he may have gone but in your heart and in your memory he remains close. Over in Anglesey the hedges had so much spring blossom it was as if there had been a snowfall.

Rachel Phillips said...

There will be reminders every day and each one will take you back and each one will also take you forwards. x

Sue in Suffolk said...

A really cold and strong wind here today, blowing all the blackthorn blossom everywhere. I looked closely at Ash and Oak - nothing yet but the willows are lovely.

Gail, northern California said...

I so enjoy your writing. Thank you.

Wilma said...

Sounds like a lovely walk for you and Tess.

Terra said...

Seeing beauty has the same effect on me, a gift and yet a reminder that my husband is not here to enjoy it. You have a great place to walk with Tess.

Anonymous said...

A friend of ours died a very young age leaving two small sons.
His friend was taking the funeral service.
One thing he said has stuck with me.
"A has gone in body but we are all changed because we knew him and we will carry that change with us always.
A little bit of A will be there for as long as we live."
Sue

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

You're flowers are a little later than ours! Dandelions going to clock here now!

Iris said...

It would have been nice to see the seasonal changes together with the Farmer.

I just saw this quote online and wanted to share it: "...every year one day comes, when, although there is no obvious change in the appearance of trees and hedges, the Earth seems to breathe and it is spring." (Elizabeth Clarke)

Bovey Belle said...

I do hope that the Farmer is still there in spirit with every flower and leaf which cheers you up a little. Yorkshire is behind West Wales with the flowers, but then you are much further north and higher up too. We in turn, are later than England, especially in our valley which has a high preponderance of Ash trees, late to leaf.

I have to say, I have been looking at the beauty and sound (birds) of spring here, and wishing my best friend had still been here to enjoy it, as she loved the countryside.

That quote from Beachcomber is one to cherish . . .

Sue said...

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.

Dartford Warbler said...

You have been in my thoughts Weaver, as I watch spring arrive step by step in the Forest. I hope that you and Tess can feel the beauty of spring`s arrival in the Dales, despite your loss. My mother died twelve years ago this week. Every April I remember how strange and sad it was to find the primroses and smell the scent of bluebells when she would never be here to see another spring.

Heather said...

Bitter sweet thoughts. I am sure Tess is glad to be back with you even if she doesn't get such long walks. Our daffodils are going over now and forget-me-nots have filled the borders. The cherry blossom has all gone but crab apple blossom has filled the gap. Everywhere is greening up quite rapidly in spite of chilly breezes and promise of frosts for next week.

angryparsnip said...

I know Tess is happy to be with you. Long run or not.
Enjoy the Spring and remember the lovely times with the Farmer.
We are in our start of Summer.

cheers, parsnip

Derek Faulkner said...

I can do no better than echo Rachel's words above. That's pretty much how it will be.

gz said...

The Farmer is with you in spirit.
We always feel that seeing a hare is a good sign, and brings us joy, lifting the heart. Glad she was on a lead!

Tom Stephenson said...

Oh Weave. The seasons will carry on reminding you of The Farmer forever, and that is a good - if painful - thing. It will get easier. All my love to you.

jinxxxygirl said...

Life is to be shared and witnessed with someone else isn't it Pat? I can feel your loss so poignantly here ..... i can feel my heart squeeze and tears prick my eyes... I'am so very glad you have Tess to share some moments with... not the same .... but still something... and make no mistake the Farmer is still there with you.. in your heart...sharing this Spring with you... Love, Deb

wenda j said...

I think it's a good thing that you're seeing The Farmer in everything.You had a strong partnership, a loving marriage so if you didn't see him every where...it would be so sad. And him being a man of the land, well it just makes so much more noticeable and harder.

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Those seasonal changes are so important to all farmers. No doubt your farmer would have been noticing the blooms, the changes in temperature, and other signs that it would soon be time to get on the land again, working the soil, planting. I feel for you. This must not be an easy time. -Jenn

Mary said...

Yes, each day will bring a different memory I'm sure, and it will hurt, but all will be powerful reminders of what you were fortunate enough to share together over the years. . . . . . . moments in beautiful places around your home and countryside.

Glad you and Tess are getting out. I had a huge rabbit visit the garden today - I thought his timing perfect for Easter!
Blessings for Easter Sunday Pat.

Mary -

Cro Magnon said...

New life and passing life are all part of nature's great mystery. I try to remind my grandchildren often that life is no rehearsal, and they must make the most of every single moment.

Happy Easter Weave. Cro xx

Maria said...

Nature will be a constant reminder.
I wish you a peaceful Easter.
Greetings Maria x

Virginia said...

Each "first time without" is bound to be difficult, particularly as you shared so much of the countryside together. I hope sharing the joys of spring with Tess will be a comfort to you. We have our son's Goldie while they are away and her enthusiasm for exercise and "sniffy walks" becomes contagious.

Gwil W said...

I'm so pleased Tess is taking you out for gentle walks in the fresh air. These will do you the world of good.

thelma said...

You carry the Farmer in your heart, and always will, enjoy the countryside at this great time of the year and talk to him as well, Tess is a good listener ;) X

Elizabeth said...

Happy Easter!
All the signs of spring you notice must be bitter sweet.
One is reminded of TS Eliot’s - April is the cruelest month.
Sending you warmest wishes from New York.

Unknown said...

Happy Easter Weave. And love.

Minigranny said...

Rachel summed it up perfectly and I hope you can find some joy in the Spring flowers despite the lack of your Farmer to share them with. Take care. Sheila x

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you're getting out with tess x

Devon said...

It must be so strange to see the beauty of the coming spring without having the farmer to share it with now. I imagine this year will have a lot of "firsts" without him. I am sure Tess is very pleased to go on any walk you choose to take her on... that is the thing with dogs, they are just so happy!