Daffodils are not native to this region, but they add a vibrant touch during this season without causing harm.
Rebecca Lexa expresses her admiration for the relatively short winters in the Columbia-Pacific area.
Having grown up in the Missouri Ozarks, enduring cold temperatures and snow from late November to March was the norm, often with a lingering chill into April.
In contrast, winters here are milder. It’s not unusual to see some non-native flowers lingering into December, and fungi like late oyster mushrooms lasting until the first freeze, sometimes even beyond.
The coastal climate ensures rare snow and ice events, although this year has been an exception.
Winter seems to fade quickly, with the new year hinting at upcoming promises. The sight of daffodil leaves sprouting on the first day of the year now gives way to sunny yellow blossoms, signaling the arrival of warmer days.
A rough-skinned newt takes advantage of a warm afternoon to make an appearance.
Rebecca Lexa notices the increasing symphony of territorial bird songs and the bustling activity of a coyote family preparing for this year’s pups at Loomis Lake.
On pleasant days, insects and spiders can be seen exploring the sunlit ground, while frogs create a gentle chorus on milder nights.
While it’s not yet spring, March brings chilly gusts as winter lingers. Rain gear and winter coats are kept handy, and yard work is postponed until May to provide shelter for wildlife and allow for leisure time.
The lengthening days bring a sense of relaxation. There’s time for evening activities, observing outdoor wildlife, and enjoying leisurely strolls without feeling rushed.
May holds a special charm with blooming flowers, buzzing bumblebees, and the appearance of young fawns and coyote pups.
Willows showcase catkin flowers before leaf growth, a distinctive feature of each species.
Rebecca Lexa reflects on the period from late February to mid-March as a time of awakening nature, akin to a drowsy world gradually stirring back to life.
This phase is like waking before dawn to witness the light breaking into the eastern sky, signaling the promise of a new day ahead.
As the days progress, spring and summer will unfold gradually, offering numerous possibilities and opportunities for growth.
The transition from February to March is compared to a tranquil moment before taking the first step, akin to a runner on the starting block or a bride poised before walking down the aisle.
In this contemplative time, the question posed by Mary Oliver in her poem “The Summer Day” resonates, urging individuals to consider how they will engage with life’s wonders and contribute to the unfolding narrative of existence.