March into Spring.

After several days of rain pouring from grey skies, the sunshine today was doubly welcome.  On our way to Plan d’eau at Marville, it was noticeable how the rains had left their marks with water-logged fields showing from puddle-sized to lake-sized bodies of water especially where streams and small rivers had risen over their banks.

Apart from sunshine, the greening trees showed we are on the cusp of Spring, that glorious and hopeful season of returning warmth and renewal.  On our arrival, a chorus of birdsong greeted us.  Today I remembered to take stale bread so of course there were no ducks on the water, two coots weren’t interested but black trout happily nibbled the bread sending concentric circles on the smooth surface of the lake. Later, from a distance, I could see two crows enjoying the pieces left scattered on the bank.

The water was very high which left no space under the pontoon bridge between the small and large areas of the lake.

In the sunshine, the trunks of birch shone silver amid the dark green of ivy and the lighter greens of new growth on the mix of trees. 

There was some activity along the paths - two couples, like us strolling, one lady on horseback...

 

... and another walking her small, white dog.  The black dog who lives at the equestrian centre just spread himself out on the grass and disinterestedly watched those busier than he felt inclined to be.

But there was no doubt we were all enjoying the sunshine and its warmth. I felt my soul stir a little as it started to free itself from the wrath of winter and the grip of grief.

White storks are returning - spotted at Vitaraville.

On our return home, Spring seemed to have suddenly sprung with signs of the season’s flowers growing in our small strip of earth between the house and pavement.

As I said…Spring is the season of hope.