Winter Returns!!

We awoke this morning to a Christmas card snowfall. Winter returns! Enjoy the pictures and imagine it is December.

Portage Lake

In our travels today we visited the camp at Portage Lake and were able to get inside for the first time since last fall. Everything seems to have wintered well with one strange exception. The metal cupboard has lost its paint, in swirly, curved pieces that have gathered on the floor around it. Since the cupboard has probably been there for fifty years, we cannot account for what has happened to it. We did take pictures of it, but can't seem to get them to post here. The lake was very quiet, still filled with ice. Today there were no deer around. It was wonderful to get back into the camp, looking ahead to another season of warm weather.

St. John Valley

Every spring and fall Gary and Louise take a ride through the St. John Valley. We began our journey at McDonalds, also a ritual that seems to be part of this trip. We had a lovely afternoon, one that we felt was a gift since it was sunny and warm. The weather forecast was for gloom and wet. Now we realize that the readers of this blog who live in warmer climates like Massachusetts will probably say, "My God, look at all the snow they have up there!" However, we realize how little snow we have compared to a couple of weeks ago. It's all relative! Here we have a picture taken at Fish River crossing, and one in New Canada looking out over the valley.

Spring

We have had no time to take pictures today, but it has been a great day! The snow is receding and the shrubs are starting to appear near the house. The birds are arriving in huge numbers. Ryan and Matt came to lunch, and we took Ryan shopping this afternoon. We went to Sears to replace the treadmill, and Ryan really enjoyed the tractors and other outdoor equipment. The tomatoes are so big they need to be repotted again. The bank in Presque Isle displayed a temperature of 51. It's been a long time since the fifties happened here. 

The Third Day of Spring

You can see from the picture that spring is bringing heavy snow today. Of course more arctic air is arriving, taking our temperatures down again. Spring is like a yo-yo. Sally is sitting in her favorite place in the window, watching the birds in the lilac bush and in the bird feeders. Gary is tending the tomato plants. They certainly get tender loving care, and are growing like crazy. We have bought tomato plants in greenhouses no larger than these. Louise is going to transplant more flowers today, and knit on another sock.

The Deer are Out

Today we drove to Portage to enjoy the sunny day and warmer weather. In the driveway of the camp we found four deer. Only three of them are in this picture. We saw several others along the way. We think the snow in the fields is still too deep for them, but they were along the railroad tracks and various paths and roads. The camp certainly seems to be a favorite place! Portage is having a festival this weekend and we stopped to take a picture of their huge snowman - it was 25 feet tall when it was completed, but warm weather the past few days has probably caused it to shrink.

Louise has developed swimmer's ear and is sitting around with her head tipped to the side to keep the ear drops in the ear. A strange sight for sure. She has been told no swimming for ten days, so other activities will have to fill in the mornings. This morning she had breakfast in bed, compliments of Gary. The gardening continues as we had to go out for more potting soil today. Soon we will take more pictures of the tomato plants. Everything is growing well!

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Rainy Day, the Feds, and a Special Birthday

The rain falls steadily, reducing the snow pack. The birds are hiding from it, but were very active this morning. We have been seeing two white breasted crossbills in the feeders for several days. The plants are growing fast, and yesterday we planted more herbs. We also made a massive shopping trip to Lowe's to buy garden seed. Word has it that gardening has become more popular this year and we don't want to find the seeds all gone when planting time arrives.

We have devoted a lot of energy the past couple of days to the requirements of the federal government. We have our taxes done, and we again have to pay in huge amounts of money. Yesterday Louise finally convinced the Social Security office to give her a letter of refusal on Medicare so she can continue to buy her health insurance. And, finally, we have the two passport applications to fill out and mail. We never thought we would see the day we would need a passport to cross the Canadian border.

Finally today is a special day in our lives. It is Robert's birthday! We remember that day so well, as if it were yesterday. Time certainly flies.

The Beach

This afternoon we went to Kettle Cove to walk on the beach. We quickly discovered that the Atlantic in Maine bears little resemblance to the Atlantic in Florida. It was certainly brisk! We captured a bit of melting ice that looks like spring, and a nice image of Jon and Erin walking on the beach. Gary gathered a few rocks on this trip. We hope the next time we visit the coast of Maine it is warmer, but it was a lovely sunny day. Tomorrow we return to Aroostook.

Portland Flower Show

The Coles have traveled to Portland to see a hint of spring in the Portland Flower Show. This is the only flower show in northern New England as others have been cancelled. We joined forces with Jon, Erin and Erin's Mom to look for a taste of spring. As a total surprise, Louise ran into her cousin Tobey from Rockland during the afternoon.

 The flower show was lovely with landscaping exhibits and vendors galore. This was a very popular event and the flowers were beautiful.

Gardening Begins

Much of the day has been devoted to gardening. Matthew helped built an incredible plant stand. It is about 6 feet high, 5 feet wide, and it has four shelves with adjustable plant lights over each shelf. It will be located in the kitchen, and it will certainly provide growing space for a lot if seedlings. Louise has been planting today - flowers and herbs are being started. The first planting of tomatoes, basil, and green peppers are about ready to put in larger pots under the lights. We did not get the warm weather that many people south of us are enjoying, but the 30s seem warm and it is making the snow melt.

Looking Ahead

It has been a beautiful, sunny day, even if it did start below zero this morning.  Some of our energy this week has been used helping Andrew find a car. He succeeded yesterday in purchasing a 2003 Honda. His smile shows how he feels about it. Our seedlings are coming along nicely and some of the tomato plants are almost ready to transplant into pots. Surely summer will come with tomatoes and peppers looking this good! We try to forget that tomorrow will bring more snow and ice.

Winter Starts a New Month

March has arrived. As you can see, it came in with another blast of snow. Gary is snowblowing again. It has snowed all day and will continue this evening. Louise has been knitting again and finished this very colorful pair of socks made from left-over yarn from other socks. Not much excitement here as the storm continues.