A storm is moving through the Northeast today. Ice pellets hit the windows. Gusts of wind rock the trees and send waves of snow and ice skittering off the roof, then across the garden. I appreciate the drama of it all, but I am so tired of winter weather.
As I stand at the window watching the intrepid blue jays at the feeder, the phrase “weathering the storm” comes to mind. The word “weathering” means to withstand, or even face with courage. We are weathering the weather.
In geology, “weathering” means the chemical or mechanical processes by which rocks are broken down when exposed to the elements. Weathering rocks are being taken apart. In late winter it feels like we embody both definitions of this word: we are braving current conditions and being broken down by repeated storms and cold temperatures.
Looking up from the bird feeder, I notice that a nearby pine tree is filled with woodpeckers and flickers. There are six birds, all holding onto the leeward side of the tree, as sheltered from the wind as they can get. I grab the camera, and snap some pictures.
Near that tree is an ‘Arnold’s Promise’ witch hazel in full bloom. This Hamamelis was on my “must have list” when I moved to Poison Ivy Acres, and I planted a small one last summer. Now that the winter seems to go on and on, I’m thinking that I should purchase a few more of these shrubs. I need all the promises of spring that I can get.
As the wind howls and the snow falls, I’ll try to stay focused on the gifts in this day: a tree full of birds, a winter-flowering shrub, a warm woodstove, and the assurance that spring will come again.
Two flickers, topped by a wood pecker, try to stay out of the wind.
This witch hazel came into flower on February 28th.
