ice & water

Many ponds in the area are still wearing a coat of ice while some show a mix of ice and water.

The mix feels like a sign of spring.

Collins Pond, Harold Parker State Forest

to the beach

It was a sunny day with temperatures flirting with the 50 degree mark, a good day for a walk on the beach. I headed to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge knowing that there are only another 11 days before the birds take over. The beach in the refuge closes on April 1st each year for the piping plover nesting season; I'm happy that they share it with us for the rest of the year!

The tide was heading out, a good time to be on the beach.

early crocus

A pop of yellow caught my eye as I walked to my mailbox yesterday. There's a small patch of ground (facing south) where crocus bloom very early in the season.

While I haven't seen any pop up in the grass or in any other gardens yet, I'm always delighted to greet this early symbol of spring.

snowdrops

It's still early for flowers here but a few early spring blooms have started to pop. I managed to sneak through small trees and bushes to visit with some snowdrops this afternoon.

on the wall

It was early in the morning when I headed down Elm Street in downtown Manchester, NH. I was moving quickly but still keeping an eye out, absorbing my surroundings and looking for interesting sights.

As I walked past an alleyway, color on the walls caught my eyes. I was delighted to find a set of paintings of cats, and I was even more delighted that I had my cell phone with me so I could capture the memory.

poppy dance

This bright red poppy caught my eye as I wandered through the greenhouse at Smith College last week. It looks (to me) like it is dancing.

blue on blue

Sunshine and late morning light creates a sea of blue, blue sky reflecting on wet sand.

edged

A tulip in yellow wears a delicate edge of pink around its petals.

I'm happy to have greenhouse flowers to provide the color I crave while I wait for the arrival of spring.

dunes and snow

A layer of snow decorates the edge of the sand dunes at the Parker River National Wildlife refuge.

listen...

Can you hear the sound of the ocean?

I felt the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge calling to me this morning. The beach will be open for 3 more weeks before it closes for the piping plover nesting season on April 1st. With the air wearing a reasonable temperature I headed to the refuge, arriving about an hour after low tide.

The wetlands on the inland side of the island continue to wear snow and ice.

I headed down the boardwalk to the beach, carefully placing my feet in the spots that still wore snow and ice.

The water had swept the sand, leaving a smooth surface for walking. I watched the ocean as I walked, aware that the inbound tide would encroach on the sand. It's so much easier to keep my feet dry when the tide is heading out!

As I walked I felt the wind and I heard the ocean waves.