Just like that...

Just like that- the snow melted- and all week it was getting warmer and warmer, and drier too. Slowly things were getting uncovered- the garden shed was reachable, the grass was getting greener, the thyme in the garden looked to be growing even!

We were so happy- going outside twice a day- The yard suddenly opened up past the shoveled paths and lanes, the baby (must stop caller her that...she is no baby anymore!) so happy to be able to actually walk outside that she was running around with her hands over her head, crying when it was time to come in. N was gathering treasure from last year's dried out plants- making 'stew' in a big sloshy bucket of water. Stretching our winter softened bodies and minds to get ready for the long days of outdoor work ahead, and then, just like that...

WINTER!!! *sigh*

Snowshoes

The weather was so nice this weekend I was telling K that I really wanted snowshoes, and that I thought N would love it too, and he said that we had some, in the garage- his dad's snowshoes. Of course these are not only snowshoes- but beautiful old babiche ones, so large (they're almost as tall as me) and romantic looking. I strapped them on right away and took off- grinning from ear to ear as I toured around the yard- which has been transformed by the deep deep snow drifts. It was so quiet, just the sound of the snow creaking under me, excellent, like walking on water or stilts.

Real Snow

 

 

We've had the first real dump of snow for the year, and it was a big one, enough to stop us from doing anything outside except blow snow, and make snow angels. It also feels darn cold outside, even though it's not really, it's only -7 or something and I'm already freezing, and that has me wondering how I'm going to survive the rest of winter, when it gets below -25. We went out briefly anyways, and took a few photos, and then I was so struck by the light at the door so I took a few photos of N, with the camera lens fogging up. I love the effect it makes, I just wanted to capture that moment of cold pink cheeks and sweaty toque head, so sweet.

 

She's also been wearing her fleecy jammies for a bit longer each day- this day she even wore them under her snowsuit outside, things get pretty relaxed around here in the winter. 

 

this year and last

Above : last year on April 19th- yes, APRIL!!!!!

Below: This year on April 19th and 20th.

Sometimes I think that we Manitobans just like to complain about the weather- winter is too cold or or too late or too early, we have too much snow or too little snow, whatever the weather does it seems like the wrong thing. But this year- I think we have reason to complain, I wasn't sure of this until I looked at photos from last year on April 19 (one of my first blog posts), and there is the babe- hat off- short sleeves- sitting on the grass. Talk about unpredictable weather.

Signs of Spring

Jumping in puddles has taken over our outside time, the yard is expanding from under the snow and the layers we wear are becoming less cumbersome. Spring is coming, I can feel it.

Sunday, Snowy Sunday

It's funny how one snowy day can bring back all the winter funk you thought you'd got rid of. On the plus side- the canopy from the trees leaves an interesting pattern on the grass- like a dusting of icing sugar on a cake.