BS: Signs of spring

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 03:54 PM

HAPPY SPRING!!!!

(happy spring?)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Penny S.
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 05:01 PM

The perils of a shared garden - someone has picked my new mini daffodils in the rockery I am making before I have really enjoyed them. and let their dog, or cat, squash others - or jumped on them themselves.

And the puppy they bought at Christmas has taken to decorating the lawn in front of someone else's front door each morning - while attached to its lead.

And a whale is washed up in Kent.

Don't I sound jaundiced?

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 05:09 PM

Penny, A camera is a pretty good cure for the blatant doggy poopers. Get one of the throwaway ones with a built in flash and take a picture of them 'in the act'. Betcha they'll go somewhere else next time.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Penny S.
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 05:24 PM

Bert, these people are impervious. They have been observed, and know it. They have left worse in the garden for much longer. They do, eventually, pick the stuff up, though I did find some in the salt bin when I went to salt the steep drive. They are reasonably nice people, and not stupid, but seem wholly unaware that the way they order their own lives affects others badly. They would not understand the complaint.

I sometimes feel that they are living as if they think that we are the Sims in a computer game!

They're moving soon, and then it's out with the Jeyes fluid.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 05:31 PM

Wow, are they that thick? I would still take a picture though and send it to the local paper.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 05:55 PM

Up to a foot of snow expected here in New England tonight and tomorrow. BAH! And Jeri, my flower bed up against the house, protected by the overhang, has all sorts of green shoots several inches tall sticking up; I'm worried about how they will fare. It's not just that I'm sick of snow, it's also the fact that school will now last past Old Songs weekend, which means I may not get there before nightfall this year. Someone save me a camping spot!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 06:24 PM

Oh, this is funny...

On several occasions during the last few days, I thought I was hearing a thunderstorm outside. I figured it's a bit early for thunderstorms, but stranger things have happened. When I went to the window to listen, I heard nothing.

I heard it again just a few minutes ago. This time, I put my ear to the wall I share with my next door neighbor and gave a listen.

He's practicing the Bodhran!

(How's that for somebody's idea of hell? A bodhran player and an accordion player living next door to each other in an apartment complex with thin walls... muahahaha... )

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: mousethief
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 06:30 PM

Carol, all that it needs to be complete is a bagpipe player on the floor above!

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 21 Mar 01 - 06:38 PM

Too true, mousethief. Especially considering the floor above is the roof...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: roopoo
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 02:33 AM

Carol, surely there are endless possibilities with this... You will have to coordinate your practice sessions.

Penny, I have a dog that in the main "goes" where she is permitted to - on the path round the back of the house which is rarely used and is easy to clear and sluice down with the good ol' Jeyes. Then my mum comes to stay with her dog that is used to grass and, if the gate to the main garden is open, takes every opportunity to use my little lawn. Even this I can excuse because of what the dog is accustomed to, and also an open gate is my own fault. What gets me is my own dog's blatant use of the lawn afterwards, on the principle of, "If she can, why can't I?"

Back to Spring: forget the snow: it's pi -(sorry)- raining now, and it looks fairly well set in for the morning. Yet another day when the veg patch won't get dug over!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Mar 01 - 04:54 PM

We've got daffodils, and primroses, and primulas, and blackthorn and iris reticulosa has been and gone, and I'm going to look at those. The horsechestnut buds in my niece's back garden are swollen and near to bursting. I've not been woken by birdsong yet.

I'm south of the snowline, and we've only had three smatterings this year, which does me no good at all - I need snow! Despite there having been some thin showers during the day, some of my class reckon they've never seen snowflakes falling properly. What a deprivation.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 06:23 AM

SPRING MY A** !!! The Environment Canada weather forecast scheduled for 0500h still hasn't been posted as of 0715h. They couldn't get to work because of the snow and wind. The 8 degrees C and sunshine we had Wednesday was just a ruse to lull us into a false sense of security !!!!!

Oh well, to look on the bright side, at least I won't have to shovel snow on my daffydils today.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Jande
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 08:01 AM

LOL! I'm with you, gnu! W eput off our trip to Orillia two weeks ago because of the horriffic snow storm that was blowing up, We laeve today, just on the tail end of another one. You call this Spring?! ::chuckle::

CarolC: A bohdran player! This could be love! ::grin:: (Love the mental picture of the skirler on the roof)

Penny and bert: Blind Spots. We all have 'em. I had a neighbour once who lived in the bottom half of the same house (in a co-op house) who had a most destructive dog. I would come home and find it had got the door open and trailed my garbage all the way down the stairs again! If left alone it would howl every minute of the day or night. It's owner was a self-proclaimed pacifist and the angriest one I ever met. He never once offered to help clean up the mess and grumbled when asked. I always figured the dog was acting out his rage for him. The one thing it *didn't* do was leave doo-doos all over the place, thank heavens!

I agree with bert. Take a picture. But make sure they really are leaving first....

~ Jande

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 12:59 PM

Robins - haven't seen any yet. Croci and daffodils galore, but they've been coming up here and there since January as we kept having days in the 60s for no reason. BUT the willows are in bloom now, so I believe it... lovely long yellow strands, reminds me of the Goblin and the Green Glass Beads poem. Which I would post here if I remembered it. Anyone?

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 01:02 PM

OK, here it is. Pardon the thread creep. The poem is called "Overheard on a Salt Marsh" and it's by Harold Monro.

(Pardon the lack of html, I'm pasting here.)

Nymph, nymph, what are your beads? Green glass, goblin. Why do you stare at them? Give them me. No. Give them me, give them me. No. Then I will howl all night in the reeds Lie in the mud and howl for them. Goblin, why do you love them so? They are better than stars or water Better than voices of winds that sing, Better than any man's fair daughter, Your green glass beads on a silver ring. Hush, I stole them out of the moon. Give me your beads, I want them. No. I will howl in a deep lagoon For your green glass beads, I love them so. Give them me. Give them. No.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Mrrzy
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 01:04 PM

Well, I thought the html from whence I got it would carry over. Trying again:

Nymph, nymph, what are your beads?
Green glass, goblin. Why do you stare at them?
Give them me.
No.
Give them me, give them me.
No.
Then I will howl all night in the reeds
Lie in the mud and howl for them.
Goblin, why do you love them so?
They are better than stars or water
Better than voices of winds that sing,
Better than any man's fair daughter,
Your green glass beads on a silver ring.
Hush, I stole them out of the moon.
Give me your beads, I want them.
No.
I will howl in a deep lagoon
For your green glass beads, I love them so.
Give them me.
Give them.
No.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Amergin
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 01:04 PM

Ah, spring, when the big fat black and brown spiders start poking their heads from the egg sacs......

Amerginthearachnophobe....

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 03:52 PM

Mrrzy, I love that poem.

(Jande: I don't think so... already tried it with that one. It's an amusing thought though, isn't it?)

Saw my first daffodil today...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: artbrooks
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 06:27 PM

Took the afternoon off to hike...first outing in shorts this year. Forgot the sun screen. Lots of butterflys, but still too early for the wildflowers. Gotta decide if its time yet to put out the hummingbird feeder or leave the (regular) bird feeder up for a couple of more weeks. Stopped off in the coffee house and saw a true sign of spring...some flatlanders up from Phoenix.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Lyrical Lady
Date: 23 Mar 01 - 09:16 PM

The geese have returned to the pond behind my house. They have been coming to the same pond for as long as I can remember, they raise their young and then flee in the fall. Ahhh... Spring and the lessons it brings. Wish I knew their secret!
LL

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 26 Mar 01 - 04:33 PM

We got lawn ornaments!

From my front window, I can see a pinwheel whirlygig, a whirlygig that looks like a cardinal (the bird, not the religious figure), and a wooden Sunbonnet Sue and her male counterpart dressed up like farmers, bending over kissing each other.

Ahh, spring...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 04:47 PM

I can hear a red-winged blackbird today. To me, that's the first true sign of spring in this part of the world.

And I heard a mourning dove. And the downy woodpecker is back in the tree outside my front window.

I dreamt I was in a room someplace and there was an eastern bluebird in the room with me. It was watching me and it seemed like it was trying to get my attention. I've never dreamt of a bird before as far as I can recall. A bluebird seems like an optimistic thing to dream about. Has anyone else ever had a dream like that?

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 05:54 PM

I dream about partridge and moose birds, but that's another story. My news today is that I have Crocuses ( Croci ? ) in bloom, in New Brunswick !!! Of course, when the frost hits them tomorrow in the early morning hours, they are going to croak ! Ahhhhh, spring in NB. How tragic.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: mousethief
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 06:00 PM

Gnu, what's a moose bird? Sounds like an oxymoron.

Alex

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 06:53 PM

Moose Bird aka's... Canada Jay, Whiskey Jack, Grey Jay, Camp Robber, and at least a half dozen others. I use to know the genus and species, but my memory is, uh...

We calls 'em Moose Birds 'cause us fella's from the boglands of Kent County, New Brunswick sees 'em mainly in moose country. 'Tis a revered bird of mysticism and legend hereaboutst. Some says they look into your soul with their large, coal black eyes. Some says their their just stoopid.

I can look up a link and get back to you if want, but you probably know the bird of which I speak.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 06:59 PM

Gray Jay, Canada Jay, = Perisorius Canadensis.

Ahhh.... that felt good. (Golden Guide to Field Identification BIRDS of North America)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 07:05 PM

= Moose Bird, go to

http://www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca/hww-fap/grayjay/grjay.html

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 07:06 PM

(Oops. Pardon me... Perisoreus Canadensis.)

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 07:12 PM

Cool site, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 08:05 PM

I was so dazzled by gnu's website, I messed up the link. I shall attempt another...

Great site, gnu.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 08:21 PM

Thanks C. I will learn blueies at my earliest convenience for the convenience of other 'Cats.

May I just say that the picture at that blueie, of my most treasured pal in the woods, does not do him justice. This is truely a regal bird who is the friendliest and most entertaining of all. A more fitting picture would not only show his appearance in a much more flattering way, but would show his personality. One of my most memorable is a picture of one I named Stoopid, sitting AT the table IN my trailer, eating an oatmeal cookie... they ARE friendly and extremely entertaining.

sappygnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: kendall
Date: 27 Mar 01 - 09:58 PM

Plenty of Croci here in the sub-arctic, but, an unusual sight yesterday, a flock of Cedar Waxwings. I hope they know what they are doing. About 30 years ago, a huge flock of Scarlet Tanagers came here, and they all froze to death or starved. It was a heart breaking sight.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 03:10 AM

Many thanks to the Joe and/or Clone who fixed my link.

Carol

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: mousethief
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 03:39 AM

Know 'em here as Gray jays, camp robbers, and Canada jays. Lost many a lunch to them out in the wilds of Washington.

Never seen a moose. I hear they are gawd-awful majestic beasties, though.

Alex

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 09:37 AM

Alex... that they are. If you ever pop over to this coast, I'd be happy to introduce you to some of my majestic pals, provided they didn't get shot during the Native hunting season, which is from dawn to dusk... and now they're fighting in court about hunting at night with the aid of a light !

Last fall, I befriended a young ( 1 1/2 year old ) cow moose I named Sally. She would come out about dusk and listen to me sing and play the Hran until I started the campfire. Of course, I had to PAY HER with sugar. But she would hang around for a half hour or so and she seemed to be listening. There was a large old bull keeping an eye on things, but he wouldn't come any closer than about 50m. I'm just glad he wasn't owly because, every now and then, you meet up with one that's out of sorts with you getting close to his girlfriend.

Can't wait for the spring melt so I can visit my happy place again.

gnu

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 28 Mar 01 - 04:47 PM

I've backpacked in Maine, I've canoe camped in Quebec, I've traveled all over the Gaspe peninsula and down the coast of New Brunswick. I climbed part way up Mt. Albert in the Chic- Choc mountains. The only place I ever saw a moose was in the parking lot of Mt. Kadahdin in Maine.

Go figure...

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:12 PM

We got PEEPERS!!!

I've had my windows open a lot the past few days.

No leaves on the trees yet, though.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Amergin
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:14 PM

No that was just me, Carol....

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:28 PM

Amergin, you sound just like several hundred springtime frogs. You're pretty amazing.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: gnu
Date: 06 Apr 01 - 08:41 PM

My crocuses ( crocusi ? ) are up again in full splendour. They not only did not get squashed by the recent WICKED snow storm, but a whole bunch more are up beside them. Tis an omen of the coming season !!! Oh joy, oh joy.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: roopoo
Date: 07 Apr 01 - 03:00 AM

Meanwhile here in the UK the rain has come again, but this has not deterred that real mark of spring: Gardening and DIY Man! Not being put off by the weather, he is gathering in flocks at the many outlets dotted around the countryside to gather the materials needed. On the first suitable day his call will be heard across villages and towns through open windows and across back gardens - "bang! crash! buzz! hummm! ouch!" As we all know, once one begins that call many others appear to answer it!

Seriously, the apple tree buds are starting to swell and the cherry trees are blossoming. The willows are really starting to show green, and the birds are all nesting with a vengeance. I've had my first few stalks of rhubarb and taken the first cut off the patch of green stuff that passes for a lawn. I haven't gone into the DIY - I've had the builder and electrician in to knock walls out in, and rewire my kitchen. For the next 2 weeks I am living in a building site, and then there will be a week of the above sounds as the fitter comes to put my new kitchen in. They reckon around a week's work!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 08:03 PM

A thunder storm is blowing up. It was hot today. I had two fans going and I was still uncomfortable.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 08:15 PM

Mrs Duck, the rhubarb is doing well here too and the calabreese ?sp is starting to come up, the frogs have laid their eggs in the pond, cat has caught his first frog (horrible cat)..

No rain today, at least not since I got up at about 1pm - it has been sunny and warm.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 10:44 PM

I'm cracking up (or is that quacking up). I of course meant to say mouldy in my previous post.

Jon

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 11:45 PM

Blue Bells,.... and blue balls.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 11:51 PM

...and Blue Bols

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 09 Apr 01 - 11:57 PM

"...and blue balls"

Really, GUEST,#1? Why is that a sign of spring?

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 10 Apr 01 - 12:01 AM

...anyway, no crickets yet.

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: GUEST,#1
Date: 10 Apr 01 - 12:22 AM

in spring a young mans' fancy......, Carol C

Subject: RE: BS: Signs of spring
From: CarolC
Date: 10 Apr 01 - 01:18 AM

Can't get any, huh? Bummer.