Thursday, February 25, 2016

Signs of Spring

Suddenly in early March we seem to start getting more sunny days, and this year it's started in late February.  The result is that I really notice the sunrises, when the sun rises, at least sometimes, into a clear blue sky - and the point at which the sun breaks the horizon keeps moving north!

This is the most recent sunrise I caught out our living room window, though the clouds are cutting off the sunrise fast (and there's a lot more snow back now!).  The sun is rising just over my little garden shed.  Take careful note of where among the trees the sun is breaking the horizon.

This is only 5 days earlier, on Feb. 18th, and that below only 4 days before that on Feb. 14th.  The sun starts moving fast toward the north at this time of year, and the same thing would be true if I could show you the spot at which the sun sets.

So the days are longer, the sun is higher in the sky and the snow on south-facing slopes melts more quickly.  I can walk the dog later, and it's just brighter out in the middle of the day.  The willows are turning yellow, and the dogwoods turning red.  Porcupine are out in the bush, leaving their waddling tracks behind.  Spring is only 3.5 weeks away!

Compare the first three to this one in early January, closer to the solstice.    This is about as far south as the point of sunrise gets outside our window; it seems to just sit in one place for six weeks centred on the solstice.  But at this time of year, it speeds up as if it wants to get back to summer as fast as it can!

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We got the 'big' snowstorm here, though it certainly wasn't as big as many we've had.  Further south in Ontario there was a lot of slush, mush, freezing rain and rain, but here it was just snow.  So we're back in winter, though not back in severely cold temperatures, and it's supposed to rise well above freezing again by Tuesday/Wednesday.  This is not the kind of winter I like, because the above freezing temperatures simply destroy the cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.  But I did get out to ride the snowblower for a couple of hours clearing the driveway.  It was an unusual snow accumulation, because it came with an east wind which made drift patterns different.  My fibre artist wife is back from two quilting retreats in two weeks; she's been home less than she's been away at these sewing parties.  It's nice to be back together.

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23 comments:

  1. I think I've probably seen my last sunrise for awhile- though I won't be posting the photographs for a month! Beautiful shots of these dawns.

    We got the snow, then freezing rain, then snow this morning.

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  2. We just had the most amazing February day ever on our hike! Isn't it a weird climate year? I wonder if this is the new normal. :-)

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  3. We were visiting our son and his family two weeks ago and the temperature went from -15 F to +53 in two days -- weird winter!

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  4. Great sunrise shots. We don't have to wait for a sunrise now and soon well have to get up early to catch a sunrise.

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  5. Your photos are fascinating. You have really captured the change that occurs as the sun's position on the horizon moves towards spring.

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  6. Like the weather when it warms up especially when we have to return there for a couple weeks.
    Love the sunrises and sunset though.

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  7. Always enjoy looking at your photos.
    Winter has came back here today too.

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  8. Gorgeous scenes - thank you for sharing.

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  9. I love to watch the sun move over - and the days get longer. Fabulous photos. We had sunshine today and the daffodil fields are in bloom already - pictures tomorrow.

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  10. Hello, lovely winter scene and sunrise. The first shot is my favorite. Happy skywatching, enjoy your weekend!

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  11. I like the thought that the sun is in a hurry to get back to warmer temperatures!

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  12. It has been a time for storms. I love your series, what a clever idea. Happy you are happy with your spousal return!! It's good to have a break. Hubby does most of our shopping, and I give him long, obtuse lists, which sends him to all sorts of places. Quiet time!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario !

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  13. Oh my....stunning!!! Morning light....that is my FAVORITE time of day.

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  14. Interesting perspective. Great pictures.

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  15. Your pictures are so delightful. So glad you have that cold and snow, love me some Texas!

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  16. I do like to see the different places where the sun rises, and your first photo, a real keeper!! Quilt retreat.. do we get to see any photos? Take care when out in the snow or woods today.

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  17. As beautiful as this scene is, it won't be long before a spring scene will take over.

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  18. You have a beautiful view of the sunrise from your house over your lovely property. Another sign of spring I've seen and smelled is roadkill and skunk. Last week during the warm 2 days we had the skunk smell was very pungent and I found out it was a dead one by the road 2 houses up. I saw a dead raccoon this week too so they are leaving their hibernation early with the lack of snow and extra mild days we've had. Have a good weekend.

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  19. Keep those signs of Spring happening. We'll be home in about 5 weeks & don't want to see any signs of winter happening.

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  20. The sun's changing position is fascinating in your photos..

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  21. I love those bare branches in silhouette!
    Please consider sharing also on the Saturday Silhouettes meme:
    http://nixpixmix.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/saturday-silhouettes-36.html

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