It is now 50+ degrees warmer than it was a few days ago and the snow is cannonading off the roof like thunder. Finally relinquishing its hold on the trees, it is dropping off in showery gusts. This is a relief as a crystal thaw has been forecast. Trees heavy with snow, then coated with slush and finally thick ice become brittle and dangerous. It breaks my heart to see the yard snapped and crushed, or to have to use a chainsaw to get to town, so I am cheering on the melting. The greenhouse has been suffering too, joints snapping in the cold and snow’s weight. I will probably re-do the construction in steel this spring when I have it apart to re-skin. I am researching kits and parts now.
Now, the digging and dividing of perennials, the general autumn cleanup and the planting of spring bulbs are all an act of faith. One carries on before the altar of delayed gratification, until the ground freezes and you can’t do any more other than refill the bird feeder and gaze through the window, waiting for the snow. . . . Meanwhile, it helps to think of yourself as a pear tree or a tulip. You will blossom spectacularly in the spring, but only after the required period of chilling.
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