This weekend the forecast called for rain. It didn't. Instead, most of the weekend was clear, with low humidity--the kind of weather I'd like all summer long. I'd like to say that I got a lot of clean-up work done out around the cabin, but that wouldn't be true.
Typically, by mid-May, it would not be unusual to have already had a few warm to hot days. That really hasn't been the case so far. The days and evenings have been cool--not that I mind. The cooler temperatures haven't slowed the spring foliage at all, as far as I can tell. The greenery is at its lushest right now. At night, when I look outside through the canopy of the trees, I can only see a few pinpricks of sky from the cabin. Even at the end of the lane, I can only see patches of sky--just barely enough to tell if it's cloudy or clear. If I really want to look at the sky, I have to walk to the end of the lane. It will be that way into October.
It is a busy time in the woods--I see raccoons commonly and hear the red fox barking evening other night or so. The barking is always near the cabin but never in the exact same place. It always sets the dogs' hackles to rise when they hear it. I'm sure they recognize it as another canine, but they also recognize its strangeness--at least to them. The rough-winged swallows are here, and I think I caught a glimpse of an Eastern kingbird out on the slopes. Dutchman's breeches are blooming. The wood violets continue to bloom. This year they are the lushest and most numerous I've ever seen them.
Summer is still not quite here. I haven't seen any fireflies lighting up the woods yet. When they show up, I'll know it's summer, whatever the temperatures are doing.
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3 comments:
I always know summer is here when the fireflies show up. It seems they come later now than they did when I was a kid though.
Your descriptions of your woods are so consistently lovely. I think it would be most special to have a fox outside barking--as long as it doesn't disturb your dogs too much.
Today was indeed a bonus day in PA.
Chicago Lady: I feel the same way--it ain't summer until the fireflies are all over the place!
Kgmom: it is cool to hear the fox barking. It's a weird sound. I usually hear foxes several times a year but this year it's several times a week. I think it must be a female with kits around. Perhaps she's trying to round them up for dinner!
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