Has Spring Really Sprung?

It is difficult to feel or even envision spring coming to Lake Laberge this year. We are half way through the month of April and the lake is still solid with ice and snow. The driveway and yard around the house are still covered with large, high windrows of dirty snow. It is a time of endless mud, icy walks, car washes, rubber boots, a creek running down the driveway and the bleak look of a landscape in waiting.

The winter has been hard on the animals. The dogs are totally disenchanted with the endless snow and grab every opportunity to grub, sniff and do their thing on a patch of ‘real earth’. The cats only hesitantly venture outside and within minutes are back at the door, paws in the air with a total look of disdain that says it all.

The wild animals have had to contend with record snow depth. Looking for an easier way to get around, the road in and out of the lake has been plagued by deer. We have frequently been confronted with a herd of ten to twelve of them nonchalantly browsing the sides of the road, totally unconcerned about obstructing other traffic.

The incoming swans and gulls pass overhead but for lack of open water none have landed near us as they have done in years past. Hundreds of smaller birds still visit the feeder on a daily basis. With their natural ground feed still covered in snow they are enthralled by the free grub.

Our supply of firewood is at an all time low. This has been the most consumptive winter that I can remember and it isn’t over. With all of the kafuffle going on about global warming and climate change, it is hard to get into the alleged seriousness of it all huddled around a campfire for warmth in the middle of April. Global warming you say? - bring it on!

This afternoon we’re jumping the gun. Cocktail hour will be on the back deck. Dress code - parkas, toques and winter boots. The summer menu will consist of barbequed steaks, baked spuds and fresh salad greens. The heck with it, we can’t really let the weather bother us right?