Spring is in the air! Let’s enjoy some sunshine!
It was one of those days that are typical in the Pacific Northwest in late winter; sunny one minute, cloudy the next with a few rain showers and a spot of hail to liven things up. I admit that I get somewhat antsy this time of year. I can’t wait to get outside and I yearn to enjoy the spring weather that is supposedly on its way.
Waiting by the windows I am forlorn one minute; watching for the sky to brighten and when it does, I am like a restless cat. I start to pace and mew insistently until someone lets me out. Time is of the essence here, so when the elusive sun did peek its shiny head out of the clouds, I persuaded MM to accompany me to one of my favorite parks in order to take advantage of the rare light.
Being part optimist I grabbed my sunglasses and being part realist I grabbed my umbrella and we headed out the door. The sun was shining and we were in great spirits, but by the time we got there the sky had turned a bitter gray once again. Oh well, if we let gray skies stop us we’d never leave the house.
Laurelhurst Park is one of those old-fashioned neighborhood parks that I love. It has winding trails, mature trees and even a duck pound with the pretentious name of Firwood Lake.
The ducks at Firwood Lake enjoy the warmer springish weather
I must admit despite the weather, it was nice to get out. I decided to make a game of it and search for signs of Spring and record them with my camera as evidence that yes indeed, Spring is on its way to the rainy and gray Pacific Northwest!
A dog enjoys the ducks at Firwood Lake
Chinese Witch Hazel in bloom
White Camellia
Strawberryindigo.
“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature — the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”
~Rachel Carson
.
Related articles
A Little Pretty, Today (ajasnorthwestlife.wordpress.com)
Pacific Northwest Winter (acelebrationofwonder.wordpress.com)
Northwest a treasure trove of awesome weather photographers (komonews.com)
Serendipity 
Pingback: Spring is in the air | Librarian for Life and Style
Thanks for the pingback 🙂
YES!!! We had sun this weekend for the first time in 8 weeks. Makes me want to turn flips (as if…) as I walk in the spring air. I loved your tour of the park. Glad you got a few moments of sunshine!
I too sometimes become like a restless cat! Interesting anecdote and photos!
Thanks Justine. It seems that although we are from different sides of the planet we have much in common. Always nice to see you! 🙂
That’s true! I also like your sensitive and responsible way of seeing life.
Thank you. 🙂
Welcome!
It’s wonderful yhat springs are knocking at the door… 🙂
We have to meet spring with a large smile… 🙂 😉
Yes we do have to meet spring with a large smile, I love that Drake! 😀
You always find such great quotes! Love the Rachel Carson quote as it says it all. I’m glad you could enjoy some fresh spring air in the park – the witch hazel and camellia are lovely. Next time you feel like a walk outdoors, wait till it’s dull and rainy and by the time you get to the park it’ll be bright sunshine! 😉 (Well, in theory… ) 😀 Have a great weekend Strawberryindigo!
Hey Cathy, That is a great idea and it may work. Today happens to be very Springlike and in a few minutes after I finish my tea I’m off to go work in the yard….finally! You have a great weekend as well! 🙂
I can so relate to every bit of this!
Yes Gunta, we in The Pacific Northwest know the pains and the joys of our weather, but I’d live nowhere else on earth and I bet you feel the same. 🙂