Friday, March 21, 2014

Victory over Winter Day

Spring has won the battle against winter! (For now, anyway).

A blogger called gardeninacity has declared today as Victory over Snow Day (VS Day). Where I live near Binghamton, in upstate New York, this may be a bit premature.  Some areas 30 miles or so from Binghamton, in fact, got snow last night.  And, there is a coastal storm possibly getting ready to hit New York City next week.

Never mind that.  Today, I saw spring.
Today, crocuses bloomed in Brooklyn.

Daffodils were preparing to burst forth in flower.

Still bare trees held open house for eager birds (the "little dots") roosting at sunset.
I even suspect this was a magnolia with swollen buds.

If you think New York City is a city of skyscrapers and concrete, you are right, but you are also wrong.  In a way, Brooklyn (one of the five boroughs of New York City. once its own city) is my spiritual home - my Dad was born there, spent part of his life there, and died there.  I love plants, and so do many others in New York City.

Today, the sun was shining. Children ran, rode bicycles, and played in local playgrounds.  Shopkeepers tended their stores on commercial streets, but on side streets, birds sang their songs of welcome.
Welcome, spring.  Over the next month, I will share more of my brief visit to Brooklyn, as I visit someone whose nearly 52 year old friendship is one of the most precious things in my life.

14 comments:

  1. It's coming, it's coming, it's coming! I was just thinking earlier this morning that I need to plant some crocuses on my property. I do love seeing them for the first time. We do have daffodils, however, and I look forward to that! Thank you for your sweet post. It helps me feel the sunshine. Peace.

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    1. Thank you; I'm glad I was able to share a beautiful spring day with you.

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  2. A true friend of that many years must be a very special person, indeed. I hope your visit together is blessed and that you make memories that will last a lifetime. Blessings on you and your friend Alana.

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  3. I like to think of bad times as just an experience I'm having like any other experience. It will pass so stay strong for the victory.

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    1. My friend and I will both stay strong. Thank you.

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  4. Spring! Isn't it fun. We planted the first seeds in our garden this morning : ) Thanks for sharing Spring in New York with us.

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    1. Spring is a season of renewal. Many here need renewal. I hope sping will reach everyone here soon.

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  5. We had the same sun shine here today. My bulbs re in the ground but we had a much milder winter here in Seattle

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    1. I visited Seattle years ago; what a beautiful city it is. Enjoy your sunshine!

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  6. I love listening to the starting sounds of Spring (and enjoy the warmth that arrives with it).

    Sounds like you enjoy your habitat. Say hello to your friend for me, too! :)

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    1. I left New York City many years ago, but I am privileged to be able to return and enjoy the parts that aren't skyscrapers and concrete. Thank you for your well wishes.

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  7. How gorgeous are those crocuses Alana?
    It's always a massive relief when winter comes to an end!

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    1. Oh, Sophie, it is a relief. It's supposed to get into the 60's (around 17, for you) today in NYC but with strong winds. Still, it's the 60's!!!

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