How Little Winters Follow Spring

Wind howled all night. It's still blowing and the "real feel" is 26°. Appalachian lore says there are five "little winters" -- Locust, Redbud, Dogwood,  Blackberry,  Britches -- before spring is finally here to stay. 

Redbuds are in bloom, and I've seen a few dogwoods in bloom as well, so I don't know which little winter we're "officially" in. But I'm pulling for Dogwood. 😉

If you're interested to know more about the "little winters," try this link:

https://www.thetomahawk.com/uncategorized/old-timers-had-a-name-for-all-these-weather-changes/?fbclid=IwAR38ot1ndLcBsN7uf_pbO8xTHkOSlpnbAm1vP7Fj-ak0hViYmFe02gbJEbg#:~:text=The%20snow%20white%20blooms%20of,t%20very%20long%20or%20cold

BRP

 

Sometimes I drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for -- as Forrest Gump would say -- "no p'ticular reason." 

But the real reason is because there's always something new to see. Not long ago, these trees were completely bare; today they're dressed in the green of early spring.

Loch Norman Highland Games

Attended Loch Norman Highland Games last weekend. Although it was a first for Rita Kochensparger and myself, it felt like Old Home Day, seeing so many friends: Neil Anderson, Scooter Muse, Aubrey Gray, Colin Shoemaker, Stephanie Sellers Morrow, Donald Cameron, Heather Gallia, Celtic Exchange (Danny), The Celtic Bag Co. (John), Chris Kagan, Tawnya Kagan, Jacqueline Murdock Habenicht, Robin Frye, Debbie MacFarland Webb, Sam Moffitt (you didn't see me but I saw you 🙂), Clan Forrester Society, Inc. ... gosh, so many people; I'm sure I've left some people out? 

Pictured are the Tannahill Weavers , one of my all-time favorites and one of my big musical inspirations.

Even though it was C.O.L.D. it felt good to be out festivaling.

What's Best?

"I believe this to my core—there is no best musician, best artist, best dancer, best actor. The creative arts are subjective, and they reach people at a point in their lives when they need it most. It's like a song or an album is made and it almost has a radar to find the person when they need it the most." ~ Jon Batiste

Fog

Fog sets in, making for a haunting and mysterious scene. I drive with the window down and all is silent. And even while keeping a wary eye out for deer and bear,  I feel so relaxed and peaceful.

Wake Up to Spring

 

One of the fun aspects of spring:

Everything doesn't wake up at the same time.