SPRING

This morning standing in the kitchen making coffee, I saw Mallard ducks on the lake. In the group was a white duck with a black head. I have never seen one like this before. My excitement cannot be understated. My excitement wasn't on account of a new species of duck, although that is to say exciting too. The ducks haven't been here since last fall, their return means spring.

It also occurred to me this morning how much I rely on the sights, sounds, and smell of spring. It excites my senses, this reawaking after a long winters nap.

In the last two weeks so much has changed here on the lake. It has gone from completely frozen to just ice around the shore line. Yesterday I watched as seven or eight Bald Eagles soared over the lake. We are a stop over for them, as they go to their summer place. The gulls returned and appear to be mating. I spotted a pair of Blue Herons in a nest. Today was the return of the ducks, I suppose next should be the Great White Pelicans. In addition, the buds on the Aspens and Cottonwoods are swelling, getting ready to bloom. While I understand the need for expected death, I love life.

Consequently, much of the wonder of spring is definitely found in the promising return of what was absent. Without the absence imposed by fall and winter, we might fail to appreciate the newness of spring.