It's Positively Spring - Really?

by Mauverneen

Spring officially arrived last week. That Polar Vortex we were stuck in made it seem like a longer than usual winter and we couldn't wait for spring to get here. But in typical fashion, it can't decide if it really is or really isn't. Spring is such a fickle season. 

Robins? Yes, they're here. The other day I counted 20 on my lawn at one time! I think they had just landed. There are several out there now, wondering if they're a bit early. But I'm assuming they have good information from a reliable source and that spring really is here. I can't wait for the rest of the summer birds to arrive and fill the trees with their songs. 

I did see the first signs of spring in the garden just yesterday. The Hostas are poking their little heads up through the leaves and taking a look around. Not yet, I tell them. I don't want you to freeze. But I have seen no other sure signs of spring yet. No crocuses or daffodils celebrating the season, no little green buds on the trees. But there will be. Soon, I'm sure. And when spring springs, it will be glorious! Color will be everywhere. New birds will be at the feeders. New chicks will follow their parents in adorable little formations, new fawns will test their wobbly legs. 

Spring. Everything is new, and fresh, and we appreciate what we have missed. And this season we are in now, this waiting season, is Hope. And Faith. And Patience. We know it will come. Soon. And it will be worth the wait. 

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

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Positively Chillin'

by Mauverneen

Feeling like the Ice Queen

I had a nice little get-away last weekend. A couple of days in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Why go north in the winter you may ask - most people go South. Well, to be perfectly honest, it wasn't really my idea. I was invited. And - I do love Wisconsin. 

If you can find winter activities to enjoy, it makes those cold months go by faster and they are not so dreadful. As I kid, I skated on the creek, went sledding, and built snowmen. It was fun. And we always had our parents to make sure we didn't stay out there too long and get frost bite. (I did have a friend though, who stuck her mouth on a sled runner. FYI: Your wet lips will stick to cold metal, just like your tongue. And no, I did not dare her.) 

As an adult, you can still do those things, but more often than not, favorite winter activities become watching someone else shovel your walk and sipping mulled cider. 

The group I was with spent time in an 'igloo', sipping champagne prior to going inside for dinner. I've decided I want one of these for my own back yard. Cozy, peaceful, and with a bit of heat, it was pretty darn relaxing. 

We were also treated to 'Ice Castles', an attraction built in only six cities; five across the U.S. and one in Canada. The weather warmed up a bit that day and the icicles were dripping but we were assured we were perfectly safe. I'm sorry we did not get to see it at night, it looks completely enchanting lit with colored lights.

Hotel amenities, like a nice pool, a spa, steam room; good restaurants on site or off, and shopping some fun stores always makes for a nice get-away, even in the winter. Maybe especially in the winter.

Inside an ice cave

As always, words and photos are my own, and require permission to reprint.

However, feel free to share the blog in it's entirety. In fact, I encourage it!

Interested in photo prints? Contact me! maureenblevins@yahoo.com

See more photos at http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-mauverneen-blevins.html

and visit my website:  mauveonthemove.com