Things are Looking Up

Here is a photo taken last night as the storm passed and the evening sky cleared.  As you can see, the grass is now green and the leaves are just starting on the trees.  Spring is late, but it is here.  The boys at the boat company have dropped the pontoon lift off the front--the pier will come later.  The work pier is in place off the kitchen and the shore pier and lift are in.  Still roughing it--but not as much!

A New Day

The steely quiet of winter--punctuated only by the rumblings of the ice pack--has given way to the sounds of Spring.  Bird song is everywhere and the ground is warming and the grass turning green.  Above we have the island egret saying hello to the rising sun.

So...You Think YOU are Having a Bad Day....

Here is Daisy on her nest--dealing with the last snow squall of the year.  She is new to the mothering business.  Her first two eggs were largely ignored while she wandered around the yard--this in sub freezing weather.  She seems to be catching on a bit--as the last few eggs are gaining more attention.  We'll still be very interested to see if any hatch.

We have lost Bert and Edie this season.  They traditionally nested off Alice's Deck.  This could be a sad thing--as they could be toes up somewhere.  Perhaps they just said to heck with parenthood and are off in Florida enjoying the sun.

Duke and Daisy found themselves a spot under my study window.  She views me every night warm and cozy in front of the computer--almost feel a bit guilty about it.  I feel I should at least go out there and throw a blanket over her or something.  Still--can't stay cold forever--Spring is here.

Open Water

Here is how the lake looked on March 31st, 2014.  Note that date well--we don't think we will ever see ice on Manitou this late again.  April 1st was the first totally clear day.  We had three loons on the lake to mark the occasion--the most I have ever seen at once.  They are just passing through.  That goes for the flock of white pelicans that are due soon.  I hope the late thaw hasn't caused them to pass us by.