After yesterday’s -7 degree air temperature, today’s 19 degrees felt tropical.
This week is filled with distractions. I got out for a quickie to the lake. The hardened snow felt like cement. The sky was grey and the only other creatures stirring besides me were the chickadees, nuthatches, titmouse and downy woodpecker. They were in the highest branches of the trees, not on the ground. I could pick out new deer tracks and dog family tracks as I hurried along. Even the mountain laurel leaves were curled tight against the cold.
The next storm will bring sleet, freezing rain and rain as the air temperature rises. Icy slush is one of nature’s products that will keep me indoors.
The real world is imposing too much. I’m sick of battling with my ISP over intermittent service. I’m still turning up people and companies who do not have my most recent contact information. I have research to do and a new client beginning tomorrow.
Unlike October’s 9-day deluge, which dropped 23 inches of rain, this nasty little storm will pass quickly. I have Saturday to look forward to; I may have convinced my hiking buddy Elwood to come along. I typically hike alone. Without the distraction of conversation or even the presence of another living being, I use my senses more. But there are a few people who are great woods companions, Elwood is one of them.