Mid-February Sunshine

 

Sunny days in February are pure joy. There is always the possibility, more likely than not, that winter will blow at least one more blast before retiring to let spring have her day. I spent some time in the garden on Saturday, chopping off some little weeds in the vegetable beds before they take hold. Spikey bulb leaves thrust upwards through dirt and dry leaves, and a few crocuses opened their lovely faces to the sun. There is mesh visible in the photo above - I covered my fall bulb plantings with it to keep the squirrels from stealing them. It seems to have worked. 

I'm into my third week of teaching. It's going well, with lovely students. I'm not accomplishing much else, though, between lesson prep and marking. 

In addition, our youngest daughter has severely injured her back and is struggling mightily with intense pain. It's difficult to get going in the morning, and she's not sleeping well, so caring for two active little girls is difficult. Last week I was over for four mornings helping out. Her back will improve, with time, but it will take awhile. She's on medication for pain, and is seeing a physiotherapist, as well. I have to admit that when this happened I wished I had not taken on this five-month teaching contract, but it is what it is.

More crocus blossoms in the pot beside the front door. 

Ashley and I were talking about books via Skype this evening. I thought of one of my older books that she might enjoy - Gabrielle Roy's Where Nests the Water Hen. Have you read it? It's a gentle story of a French-Canadian family living in the wilds of northern Manitoba, and was first published in 1950. I plucked the book off the bookshelf and read the first chapter, charmed once again by the main character Luzina who, "disposed people to become aware that they had reasons for happiness." What a lovely trait. 

On my walks with the little girls last week, this was the scene as we crossed the footbridge over the lake. It was cold, but with a blue sky and clear still water, the sight filled me with happiness. We always stop to pick up a few rocks along the path and throw them into the water. 

Patience Strong writes, "While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch." 

Are you feeling like spring is near in your corner?