spring up and down
After a week of each and every flu symptom cycling its way through the family, we finally were all able to get out of the house together. The sun called us outside. 
Friday we went up. Up to the ridge to walk through the woods. The snow was deep off the trails, but the creeks were flowing strong with muddied green water. The snow was pocked by leaves, stones and pine cones warmed by the sun, accelerating the melt. The willows were pushing forth their furry buds.
Today we went down. Down to the point to walk by the lake. The last
bits of sandied ice were melting fast, lapped by the cold blue waters.
The sand was soft, almost calling for bare feet. And the grasses in the dunes were donning shades of green.
Tonight thunder, lightning and snow. Spring indeed.
Beautiful imagery - the photos and the words. I love that pinecone one. The thought of snow and sand joining is so strange to me (here is Brisbane, Australia). Thank you for sharing your wood and lake and noticing and day with me.
Posted by: Ellie | 06 April 2008 at 04:58 AM
so good to be outside after all those days cooped up. looks like a gift, those outdoor visits. glad you're all feeling better. and that spring is on the horizon!
Posted by: emily | 06 April 2008 at 07:21 AM
Wow, Spring must be so much more rewarding when it comes after all that snow. That only just occurred to me when I saw your lovely photos. Our winters are cold enough to need a coat, but not so cold that gloves are needed.
Posted by: Kristine | 08 April 2008 at 05:44 AM
This season is just bizarre.
Posted by: Tracy | 08 April 2008 at 07:48 AM
sounds like a beautiful day - spring is such an exciting season, new growth, warmth...
Posted by: kim | 09 April 2008 at 10:41 AM
What a beautiful walk. Isn't the weather strange? Yesterday we had dark skies, thunder and rain in the morning and the most glorious spring afternoon!
Marie x
Posted by: Wild Rose | 10 April 2008 at 06:24 AM
We had a blast at the beach last weekend too--I love the beautiful winter sand/ice formations. Now we're hibernating while the spring blizzard buries everything outside!
Posted by: tracy | 11 April 2008 at 08:42 AM
That Red Berry of yours is such a little imp.
And a mouth full of teeth.
I can't wait.
Love,
E
Posted by: Elizabeth | 12 April 2008 at 03:23 PM
Lucky you... I haven't seen a willow in years!
Posted by: hadley | 12 April 2008 at 04:13 PM
Glad to hear that the flu has passed. Now you can share your vision.
I like the coiled lines in the last photo.
Posted by: Margaret | 12 April 2008 at 06:11 PM