Friday, March 20, 2009

Spring is Springing


Despite this morning’s snow (yes, snow!), today is the first day of Spring – which is the season of hope and new beginnings. Signs abound that spring is here. My daily walk in the woods has been very quiet all winter with the crunch of my feet on snow or slurp of my sneakers on mud being the only sound. But this week, the hills have come alive with the sound of birds. From the peeps of nuthatches with their curious posture of walking upside-down on tree trunks to the throaty call of woodpeckers to the constant chatter of crows, I hear spring everywhere. Today, I passed a large collection of crows in the woods – perhaps 100 gathered deep in the woods - as if having their spring crow convention. I saw this same sight several years ago in the same spot – I wonder what they’re all squawking about and why they gather in such an isolated spot?

In the pond near our house (Burnham Park for you Morristowners), the ducks are pairing off. Curiously, there are six males vying for two females (and one seems to have paired off already) – so it’s ladies night for the ducks of Burnham Pond! I’ve also noticed a beaver in the pond – first I’ve seen (but, as the expression goes, he seems quite busy)!

In the spirit of the season – and with the arrival of more sunshine and warmer air – I’m feeling hopeful. Perhaps I’ve survived my winter of discontent, and it’s time to start the spring cleaning – both physically and psychologically. Even with all the bad stories on the news – from unemployment to AIG to Bernie Madoff – now is a good time to put that aside and plan for a new beginning of (hopefully) better days. Tis the season…

And most of all, I wish you all the best – you’re awesome! Your support has been my fireside over this long winter…BB

10 comments:

fephy said...

Where ever you are getting your support, you are doing a wonderful job of getting yourself through this. You get out for exercise, you see people and you are involved with your kids and family. This is you, and I feel richer for seeing you maintain yourself. Love, your Aunt

Ginger said...

You're doing all the hard work; we're just on the sidelines applauding.

Ellen said...

We have to get out birdwatching together one spring day. You and Kyle would have a blast listening to all the warblers!

JM said...

You sir are an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

You certainly are an inspiration. I hope you continue to feel better every day. So glad you're enjoying spring and the birds. We have a bird feeder and have watched the red winged black birds return. We now have large patches of grass between the snow. Love Wednesday

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you're still upbeat even though you didn't get to march in a St Patrick's Day parade.
Am also glad to hear the birds have reached NJ. It seemed to some of us in coastal NC that they had hung out around here for a bit longer than usual this year.
Keep movin'.

Anonymous said...

Brian,
I think that great weather and new flowers are totally under rated! For me, it is a chance for renewal and a sense of a positive future. I'm glad to read your blog to be able to keep up with the great progress you are making. Keep it up! Take care, Holly MacMillan

Anonymous said...

Those ducks are like a soap opera!! maybe you can produce the next hit reality show. i mean, if there's "meerkat manor," a duck show is definitely in the realm of possibility.

You sound great!! Sara

Chris said...

Hi Brian,

Haven't posted in a while but the prayers haven't stopped for one bit. Thank God they appear to be working :-)

By the way, I think you should write e book. You have a wonderful talent in putting your thoughts on paper and transferring them to your audience the exact way they are intended. Amazing!

Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey Brian- Vicki sure does look great and I hope she had a great time- she wouldn't let you grill her date AT ALL?!!! I am anxiously awaiting your results and am hoping that those "small- fry" tumours are even smaller- or at least no bigger. Sending you lots of love- W