Monday 5 April 2021

Cold

 I awoke to snow this morning - not unexpected - only a light covering but enough to hope any gardeners had covered over tender plants.   We were warned.   Walking out early this afternoon to post a couple of letters I realised just how  very cold it was.   The sun has been out all day and so inside the bungalow it is warm, but add the wind-chill factor outside and I would guess it is barely above freezing.

Book Group on Zoom (my book 'where the crawdads sing') this morning.   A very light choice (next month's is 'The Count of Monte Cristo' (all thousand pages) and not really enjoyed all that much by anyone.   I thought the descriptions of the natural history of the marsh plants and birds in South Carolina were beautifully written.   But we did have a couple of hours of pleasant conversation and in these times of not being able to go out anywhere that is definitely a plus.

The early snow rapidly disappeared once the sun rose and when I looked out of the window at around ten o'clock there were five blackbirds on my front lawn all feeding on something they were finding just below the surface of the grass.   If you remember, last week when I was out walking with Priscilla on the estate I saw a broken bird's egg on the footpath, which led me to believe that birds were already nesting.  All these male blackbirds frantically feeding is I think further proof that young may well be around now and all calling for constant feed.

And speaking of young reminds me of a very sad story from yesterday which I would guess has touched the heart of anyone listening to the news today.   Yesterday a baby boy of 14 days old, out in his pram with his mum, was killed by a piece of dangerous driving.   A little life lost so early and a proud mum now devastated by the loss of her little one.   Life can be so cruel.

Until tomorrow dear friends...

21 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Snow at Easter is something I could do without; it's certainly been nippy out there today. I quite enjoyed the "crawdads" book and I realised recently that it has some parallels with Tracy Chevalier's imagining of the life of Mary Anning - uneducated young woman from a poor background becoming an expert in her chosen field.

jan b said...

I really enjoyed Where the Crawdads Sing and so did my book club. Agree re the beautiful descriptions of the wild life and marshes. Yes, credulity was a bit stretched at times but the five of us were a bit perturbed by our reaction to the final revelation. We all thought good, he had it coming!!!! Kya had captured our hearts.
We just read The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow and really enjoyed it. Janx

Jules said...

There was a light covering of snow on the roof at first light. It's been beautiful and sunny, but bitterly cold in the wind today. I changed my mind about going up on the fells this morning but I think I might chance it tomorrow - wrapped up well. X

Jennyff said...

Just had a photo from a friend in Copenhagen, snow there too. We are due a cooler spell in Italy, forecasting minus 4 on Wednesday night, the tomato plants will have to sleep with us.

Librarian said...

We were lucky for our walk today, or timed it well keeping track of the weather forecast - half an hour after we were back home, it started to rain and high winds were blowing. By tomorrow morning, that rain is supposed to turn into snow. good job I have brought my mini garden inside before I left home on Friday! I will return tomorrow morning and hopefully all it will need is some water.

Julia said...

Absolutely tragic and it really upset me today - one moments madness and many lives ripped apart. My heart goes out to the family.

Rachel Phillips said...

I am uplifted by the report back from the Book Group. Thank you for sharing.

angryparsnip said...

We had had no Spring and are already in the 90's here with the high winds = fire warnings. Already another fire started when an Illegal crossing our border fell an broke his leg. He started a signal fire. He was rescued but we were lucky the fire stayed small. It will be a very long and hot summer.
Gud Dugs send wurfs

JayCee said...

Very cold here too today, only just above freezing. Cannot believe we were sitting outside sipping G&Ts just a couple of days ago.

am said...

No snow here in the lowlands but had to scrape ice from the windshield at 8 a.m. this morning before driving out to get my groceries for the week.

Blessed are those who mourn.

Thank you for your daily presence.

Anonymous said...

Hope things warm up there and spring warmth returns.
We've been seeing the crows and ravens gathering twigs and grasses for their nests. The hummingbirds have stopped coming to the feeder, probably tending to their newly hatched. This morning the yard was filled with white-crowned sparrows feeding on the dandelions we let blossom and go to seed. It was beautiful chaos out there.

Ellen D. said...

We have had some warm temps here but April showers will visit us for the rest of the week. My lawn can use the water so I won't mind. I should get out for a walk today before the rain hits.
Take care!

Heather said...

That news story is the stuff of nightmares. Such a terrible tragedy for that young mother and her family.
Very bright but a bitter wind down here and even a sprinkle of white stuff that lasted all of ten seconds! I wonder what tomorrow has in store for us.
Your Book Group virtual meetings must be a joy for all it's members. Keep warm and safe.

The bike shed said...

The count of Monte Cristo - that's some book club choice; very bold whoever chose that. But I expect worth the effort. I try to read a least a few classics every year.

Debby said...

What a heartbreaking story. We are beginning a 10 day stretch of warm weather. I am very excited about this.

Susan said...

It continues to be cold here too. The trees are showing their buds and the wild turkeys are back. All signs of Spring. A bit of warmth would be nice.

Joanne Noragon said...

I hope we are done with snow. Bite my tongue.

Cro Magnon said...

I recently found half an empty Pigeon's egg, so things are going along well. We also have Cuckoos singing all day.

Bonnie said...

Spring snows are always something to see. We have often had snows as late as March or April. I'm glad yours has all about melted by now. I hope you will soon be able to enjoy some warmer weather! Thank you for stopping by my blog Pat - I always love to see you!

Tasker Dunham said...

Went out to do some jobs in the garden. I managed no more than about 20 minutes.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Cro I am so envious - haven't heard one here i years.
Interesting reading about various book groups and their attitudes over the book choice.
Thanks everyone for joining in.