The Irony of the Groundhog

We have endured far too many days in a row with no sunshine. Every day, the same gray skies on bright, white snow. Occasionally adding a little fog to the view. That’s why we are all so ecstatic to hear that the forecast will be sunny – and almost 50° on Sunday. That sounds fantastic!

And then I realized… Sunday is Groundhog Day.

Wouldn’t you know it? The one day that we need the skies to be cloudy, and it’s going to be sunny! How can this be possible?

For those who are unaware -- and want to be in the know -- our friendly groundhog, who is also known as a woodchuck, is a rather large rodent belonging to the marmot family. He will be the one who decides our fate regarding the duration and intensity of our current winter season. Intrigued? Here’s how it goes.

This woodchuck hung out in our Maple tree
some years ago. Who knew they climbed trees?

If we are blessed with a sunny day when he peeks out of his burrow, the groundhog will be frightened by his own shadow, causing him to run back into his burrow. This behavior predicts that we will have to endure a much longer, cold winter. However, a cloudy day will send him happily on his way, and we rejoice that we will enjoy a shortened, milder winter season. The weird coincidence is that this often rings true! At least it does here with our local rodent predictor. I’m not kidding! I know. I keep track of these things.

I heard on the radio that PETA was protesting the treatment of Punxsutawny Phil, the most famous of these furry harbingers of good or bad news (depending on your perspective of winter). Anyway, they are saying that to disrupt this creature's natural rhythms for our entertainment is cruel, and that an animatronic groundhog should be created instead. Really? That really negates the whole idea, doesn’t it? How would that even work?

Then I read about our groundhog in Milwaukee, a captive bred fellow with a good life, who is a descendent of many previous generations of captive bred groundhogs who had good lives in these folks’ care. The staff explained how they begin to prepare the little guy to come out on his day. Groundhogs are naturally mostly hibernating this time of year, so they coax him out daily with a peanut. I think if I were hibernating I could be coaxed out with a peanut. For him, it works!

By Feb. 2^nd, it is completely up to the star to show up, or not! Our local marmot is not forced from his slumber, only lured out with the promise of a peanut – or peanut butter! – and that is usually all it takes for him to make an appearance. Then we base our hopes on an earlier Spring on how timid he is feeling that day.

So watch the skies tomorrow. It is predicted that we will actually see the sun after endless days of overcast skies.

Finally, we will see the sun on the one day that we really need clouds for our dear groundhog to promise us an early spring. 

Whatever happens, we hearty souls will endure. And perhaps we will begin to think ahead to a Springtime trip to somewhere that is warm and sunny. 

That’s my plan! Enjoy!

Finding the Beauty in Winter

We've been lucky that the worst of our winter storms have recently come on the weekends. Not having to fight the daily commute during a snow event helps everyone, including those removing snow from the roadways. 

But the truth is, I love snow! I know I'm perhaps in a minority here, but I think it's beautiful and refreshing and fun! And when it falls just right, well, just check out these pics from the latest snowfall -- the snow-laden tree branches are wondrously beautiful! 

The beauty of this snowy scene can often be ephemeral, lasting only until the winds pick up, or temps do. When the wind blows and fat clumps of snow come tumbling down, the freed tree branches heave a sigh of relief at losing their heavy loads.

Our gigantic Christmas tree "lives" on, in our backyard. Here it is, laden with snow, gracing the right side of the path that leads into our woods. The guys leaned it up against the clothesline post for me, and there she stands in all of her 18' glory. I was sad when the tree had to leave our house, but I'm glad I can enjoy its grandeur for a while longer.

I thought perhaps I'd be smart and outwit the squirrels by placing birdseed strategically on snow-covered boughs where I knew only birdies could perch. However, I forgot about that ephemeral quality of snow-covered boughs. The snow didn't last long on the branches, and the next morning I watched as three squirrels entertained my cats for hours, eating with glee, running 'round and 'round while chasing each other under the lowest boughs and up and down the tree trunk. Their antics were way too cute for me to chase them away from the treats. I let them have their day. 



Winter is best from the inside looking out, with a fire burning in the fireplace and something delicious baking in the oven. Even better when there is nowhere that you have to be. 






But even when we have to leave our cozy homes, the breathtaking beauty of newly fallen snow causes us to pause; to breathe in the fresh, unique scent, enjoying the stillness and muffled sound of a world covered in snow. 

And then, we plunge into our task of moving snow -- before we can go anywhere -- and before the deep freeze comes and turns it all into ice. It's all part of living here, and somehow I love the rhythm of it all. Although I can admit, it does begin to get old after a very long winter.

Sometimes it seems our winter is a crazy cycle of snow, cold, ice, melt, repeat, at least in our area of the upper Midwest. Lately our winters are warmer and bring less snow and bitter cold than the winters I remember from my childhood. So unfortunately that means that now we get more sleety snow than huge piles of the fluffy white stuff. 


But somehow we endure. Why? To behold Spring as she pokes her head above the ground. To once again feel warm breezes on our skin and gaze into a canopy of bright green leaves. This will come. After ol' man Winter is done. 

So, make some hot cocoa, and watch winter's view from the window. Or better yet, get out into the white stuff and breathe the cold, fresh air. Then you can come in and make that hot cocoa. 



I wish you winter's peace, my friends.  ♡

On the Precipice of a New Year

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength."    ~ Phillippians 4:11-13 NIV

I posted this picture of a winter sunset along with this Bible verse on my Facebook page, Hope to find. Want to know the story behind the photo? This verse and photo actually inspired this posting, so I wanted to share. 

It's true, the part about living with plenty and living with less. I have lived both, and learned how to make life work, with little or with much. It's what we do, isn't it? We make do. Or, as the DMB puts it, "We make the best of what's around". One of my favs, and true in its lyric. That's how we survive. 

Last year, this outdoor tree was our Christmas tree. We got it as a cast off. It was free to a good home on a neighborhood website -- someone had purchased it before realizing it wasn't the "right" tree. 

Picked up for free, I placed it in the only soft soil in the yard, the spot where the septic tank had been recently dug up for emergency pumping. Romantic story, right? Hilarious, but true, the trunk was plunged into the nearly frozen, newly turned soil, and I propped it up with rocks and decorated it with bright LED lights. 

You can see the result. 

Peaceful beauty. 

All for free.

It wasn't for lack of money that we chose to not put up an indoor tree. Truthfully, I have 2 big Ficus trees in my living room that are decorated for nearly every season, so I wasn't lacking for lights or ornaments inside. It was lack of holiday spirit, changes in holiday traditions, and life in general that made me realize this little tree was enough. It matched my spirit that season.

This year, we have made up for it with an 18' tree adorned with hundreds of lights and ornaments, beautifully decorated by many hands with care and fun! Certainly exemplifying plenty! It was a joy to bring this 23-year old tree into our home for the holidays.

Whoever took the picture cut off the top of the tree!

It had stood, year after year, while all the other trees around it were cut and hauled away. New transplants came in, but still it waited for its turn to be turned into a Christmas tree, all adorned in splendor and beauty. Now that it's our Christmas tree, I enjoy it every minute that I am home, turning on the lights early in the morning when it's still dark outside to enjoy the colorful glow.  

But nothing lasts forever. When it begins to drop more needles than I care to sweep up, this beauty will take its place, where all  of our former Christmas trees go: out in the yard as a shelter for birds during the winter months, sometimes getting sprinkled with bird seed treats. When the weather warms, it will ultimately become fuel for a summer bonfire, going out in a blaze of glory.

The Bible verse I quoted has been nagging me through my subconscious for days. When I looked it up today, I realized -- this verse is my life! I do know what it's like to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 

Somehow, through God's grace, we make it through, no matter what the circumstance. Life isn't easy. This game of Life is not for sissies. But we can persevere. We can strive to be the best we can, regardless -- no despite, our circumstances. Defiantly, maybe. Strong willed, most definitely. And we never have to do it alone. Not for a minute. 

Reach out to the hand that is always there. He will gift you with strength. And you can gain hope, knowing that tomorrow will be a different day. 

Live on. Live well. We have only this one precious life to live. Here's to new beginnings! Happy New Year! Bring it on!

Summer Blues and Fall's Hues

When blue cornflowers and Queen Anne’s lace line the edges of country roadways, you know summer in the Midwest is coming to its end. As we grab hold of the last of our summer fun, cicadas can be heard buzzing their season-ending songs.

The bees seem more busy than usual, and you can sense a subtle shift in the life of the plants. The green canopy overhead rustles in the breeze, but there is a different feeling in the air, and afternoon skies seem nearer to the cobalt blue of autumn. Nights are much cooler, and heavy dews can cover lawn grasses until close to mid-day.

It seems everyone loves Autumn. Folks travel miles to see gorgeous views of the changing leaves. We’re lucky to live right in the middle of this beautiful fall spectacle, and we don’t have far to drive to see the hilly Kettle Moraine adorned in Autumn’s glory.

View from Observation Tower at Lapham Peak 

Lapham Peak is a beautiful State Park near my hometown, located in the ridge of the moraine left behind by ancient glaciers that forever affected topography here. 

Hiking the observation tower offers great views including area lakes, and if you time it right, you'll see beautiful fall colors, too.

Savor these late summer/early fall days. Bask in the quiet of a soft, golden afternoon, enjoying the lovely green canopies that have cooled us all through the heat of summer. They soon will display leaves in many hues, which will fall to the ground and ultimately become compost. 

That is Nature's way. While we glory in the colors of Fall, we know fully well what will come after months of splendor in the grass, and then the raking of the grass.

Winter, with all its fierceness and stark beauty, and its unbelievable persistence, will soon quiet the landscape into a long and hushed slumber; until once again the songbirds wake early to bring forth the sun in the early Spring.

Personally, I live by the seasons. Perhaps that’s why I returned to Wisconsin, as this cycle of life is born into my being. Do I wish that winters were shorter? Of course I do! As do many Wisconsinites. But having lived in warmer climates, I realize how fortunate we are to have such a relatively long summer season where we can celebrate being outside and sharing in nature’s beauty and bounty.

Breathe in. Draw deeply of the scents of summer, for they are quickly fading. Autumn has scents of her own, deeply satisfying and earthy. But nothing beats a nose full of soft, warm-from-the-sun flower petals, or tastes better than sun-warmed cherry tomatoes bursting in your mouth with sweet juiciness. 

Such is the character of summer. Bold, daring, and somewhat fleeting. Right now she is green in all her glory, but not for much longer. 

I recommend that you take a good, long breath and savor a peaceful moment under the shade of your favorite tree. As you gaze into its canopy, give thanks for the summer shade you have enjoyed. Tree hugging is highly recommended. Breathe deeply and feel the quiet peace that fills your spirit.  Life is good in nature. She is a healing balm for whatever ails you. ♡

Learning to Fly - Finding Hope Again

It has been a really difficult week. Our nation mourns together again for lost innocence. Friends and loved ones joined together for a night of fun, which turned into a bloodbath and terror. How can we cope with the myriad feelings of loss, great sadness, anger, frustration, uncertainty and fear?

Many are choosing to focus on the good side of humanity that emerged amid the carnage. Heroic efforts by so many to save the wounded; people risking their own lives for strangers. As these stories emerged, little drops of hope filled the chasm of pain we felt.

There is still good in the world.

I am forced to have CNN on in my office. For someone who rarely even watches the local news, this has been an adjustment. Every horrific act of mankind against mankind is emblazoned in large banners across the screen, whether I want to see it or not.

Over the last year that I've worked there, I cannot count how many times I have been brought to despair by this constant barrage of bad news as I try to do my job. My sensitive spirit becomes crushed with despair, and I mourn the loss of the peace we strive so hard to find.

Then, in steps the indomitable human spirit. We try to work through our grief, and we get on with the busyness of living. Gradually our intense sadness is replaced by an aching feeling of loss. Life really does go on, and we are committed to living again, trying to make sense of a senseless tragedy.

I fear we will become desensitized.

We have to move forward, so we do. We have to begin to fade the memories of the horror and devastation, or we will keep living in fear and desperation. We must find a way to keep living in hope. We need an anchor for our soul.

We pray for those affected, and we pray for a better world. We hold our loved ones close, and leave our petty grievances aside, at least for a few days. We strive for some normalcy, keeping our routines. And gradually, we begin to feel less anxious and more in control.

But where do we find hope?

I think that may be different for everyone. And I think the healing process is different for everyone, too.

We will never understand the mind of someone bent on the destruction of human life. We can never make sense of a senseless tragedy such as this.

But we can find rest. Rest from our fears and constant worry. A safe refuge to share all of our anger and frustration, our sadness and our fear.

We can turn to the One who can restore us, who will bring us out of the darkness into the light again.

We can trust in God to be Sovereign over all the earth. We can lean on God and not on our own understanding. Knowing God in our lives really can ease the pain of the trials of this life. We have somewhere to turn when the world makes no sense. We can find comfort and refuge, and peace.

Pour out your heart to God. Let go of all that you are carrying inside. And the peace that passes understanding will find your spirit, and give you the strength to carry on.

I pray for you, my friend, and I pray for our world. This is a fallen world we live in. It is up to us to find the Light, and to follow it. ♡