Saturday, February 18, 2017

Could This Be . . . Spring??

Spring time arriving in the north woods on February 18th?  No way.  But gee-willikers, we had such a warm day with full-blown, strong, warm sunshine all day.

I noticed what I think was the high of 58.6° on our thermometer in the shade which means it had to be way up into the 60s in the sun.

The bees were out taking cleansing flights and happily creating thousands of little brown blobs all over.


Areas where we've kept pathways shoveled through the snow are suddenly and unbelievably down to bare ground.  (I took these two pictures after the sun had gone down.)


And look at that!  There are even a couple corners of raised beds poking up out of the blanket of snow.  Maybe I can plant some early cold weather crops in one of them tomorrow.  Or not.  (Still looks pretty bleak, doesn't it?)

This whole next week is forecast to be of these higher than normal temperatures so I'm wondering how much of our snow will do a disappearing act.  Of course, as so often happens this time of year, next weekend is supposed to be freezing rain, sleet, hail and snow-filled.  (Yes, Virginia, it is still winter.)

So, no, this can't be spring for us yet.  But it sure did feel good out there today.  (Just ask any of our honey bees.)

26 comments:

Nancy In Boise said...

Wow, looks like what we went thru!

creations.1 said...

It is teasing youy!! Giving you a sample of what is to come but reminding you it hasn't finished yet! Enjoy your warmer days!

Sue said...

I'm appreciative of any warm-up, but realize that yep--still the middle of winter for me and you.
I predict someone shall be catching a "sun bath" today??

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

We have a similar, warmer forecast here. So, of course when the temperature went up even a little yesterday, I saw people out without their coats on! I agree that we likely have not seen the back end of winter yet, but it is nice to loose some of the snow. -Jenn

Vera said...

It is the same here in SW France.... very mild and sunny, making it difficult to think that we are still only half way through February. I even left off one of my winter layers of clothing today!

Rain said...

We're having the same weather here, just a little cooler than 60F though. I don't buy it either...spring in February, it IS to laugh! Though I secretly hope for it!!! Tomorrow morning it'll be an ice rink out there!!!
What cold weather crops would you plant if you could Mama Pea? From seeds?

Erin said...

I've been watching the twin cities news channel lately for a change, and wow - very strange weather for MN this time of year! (I'm not MIA either, I shall be blogging again this week!)

SmartAlex said...

WE sat outside, husband wore shorts, we watched blue birds - no, none of these things is normal!

2 Tramps said...

We woke up to fresh snow this morning - winter isn't done here yet!

Goatldi said...

Wow you had a nice day. I am jealous of you I covet your day your sun your snow. No really I would rather have snow instead of rain and mud oh wait snow melts into deep mucky mud. I still want your sun and no wind? Enjoy!

Mama Pea said...

Nancy - Yep, but I don't like this warm/cold, warm/cold weather. Once in actual spring time is plenty for me!

Mama Pea said...

creations.1 - That's for sure. (I'm not appreciating the teasing!) We've got a bit of mud out there today and Mud Season, once a year, is more than enough for me!

Mama Pea said...

Sue - I really should have done that sometime in the past two days (woulda felt good) but I was too busy yesterday and today I spent the whole day in my quilt room. Yes, I did!

2 Tramps, I know we're not done with it either. Not for a couple more months!

Mama Pea said...

Jenn - Funny thing. Today we were noticing the green grass under the apple trees. And it looks so long we could cut it! Yep, the snow has gone down in the last couple of days for sure.

Mama Pea said...

Vera - You left off one of your winter layers of clothing . . . only those of us in cold winter climates would appreciate that! Good for you. But don't put it too far away yet!

Mama Pea said...

Rain - Your ending question gave me a great idea for my next blog post. Thank you and stand by!

Mama Pea said...

Erin - You'd better be blogging soon! You'd got us all hooked again on reading of your adventures so you've gotta keep it up!

Mama Pea said...

SmartAlex - Omigosh! Shorts? I'd have to go haul mine out of storage before I could wear them. (Did he still have his long johns on??) ;o}

Mama Pea said...

Goatldi - The day was glorious. But it did manage to create some mud. And the goose poop wasn't frozen like it's been all winter. Which means you have to watch where you step in the poultry yard or take off your boots immediately inside the garage door!

Laurie said...

Glad you and the bees had a little warm weather. It's very warm here for February. I went out on the beach today and soaked up some sun. That was nice, but truthfully, I'm still wishing winter would stick around for awhile. My plumbs and peaches have budded out. I don't know how they'll act, if we get the usual freeze or two before spring.

SmartAlex said...

Nope. He wanted to sunbathe. I think that was a little weird.

Goatldi said...

goose poop at ambient temperatures and slippery boots makes one look a bit goosey?

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

You have so much snow. We have zero. It's been spring-like weather here. It's very strange for Feb. too.

Mama Pea said...

Goatldi - And very upset if one slips and falls!

Mama Pea said...

Laurie - I know that a constant fear of living in the "warmer" climates. The trees want to bud out before they should. Fingers crossed you don't have any damage this year to your fruit trees!

Mama Pea said...

Kristina - Yes, but we can see how much the snow has gone down in the last few days. We're also seeing more and more mud. Oh, how I dislike MUD! :o/