Signs Of Spring

☆ March 13, 2018

1) On Wednesday morning, for the first time this year, I heard Sandhill cranes talking to each other in the distance. That evening, as Mike and I drove home from a rare dinner out, we saw three dancing in our neighbor’s field. Then, on Saturday, they showed up here! They soar over me while I milk Daisy and strut around our pond, negotiating territory with the geese that moved in when the ice melted.

2) Charlie is singing again. Last week, after some shift in daylight or temperature or perhaps celebrating the return of the Sandhill cranes, Charlie began howling again. He’s been singing to us every evening, and some mornings, too. As I mentioned in the book, Charlie stops howling in the winter, except on the rarest occasions. His return to song is celebrated around here!

3) Mud. Mud always comes before grass.

4) Babies! Yesterday morning, I watched a heifer (first time mom) have a smooth and perfect delivery in the morning sun. She licked off her baby and her baby wobbled to her feet and had her first meal and they lounged together in the sunshine and hay the rest of the day.

5) I found myself delighting in a novel sensation. I was outside, and I was warm! Not sweaty-hot-that’s-about-to-refreeze-you from ten layers of clothes and the cardio of chores, but a deep, permeating, comforting, comfortable warmth. Spring is arriving.

firstcalf2018

Comments

19 Responses to “Signs Of Spring”

  1. ELAINE CHECKLEY
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:00 am

    Precious pictures!!! Those eyelashes are something else. Here in Texas my Iris are blooming, the Bradford Pear trees are full of gorgeous white blossoms and the dandelions are are in full force too. Bit of cold again this week, but signs of spring here too. Love to all the farmily ~

  2. Marg
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:18 am

    We still have a TON of snow but the sun is almost hot and things are improving. I love hearing the birds singing for joy and the Flicker is pounding on metal light posts and fireplace chimneys to call a mate. You just feel lighter in the Spring!
    I love the curly topknots of the newborns.

  3. Jo Davis
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:32 am

    It’s snowing here again!! Another Nor Easta’ !!! Your news of Spring gives me hope!!! The calf is lovely & her curles are fabulous!!!

  4. Jo Davis
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:33 am

    *curles

  5. Jo Davis
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:35 am

    *curls arrrrggggg!

  6. Claire Bock
    March 13th, 2018 @ 8:45 am

    I look forward to your updates. I know running a farmily is a lot of work so time is precious. The baby’s eyes remind me of the young filly we have at the rescue ranch. Those eyes show the future – open wide, curious, ready, and hopeful.

  7. Nancy B
    March 13th, 2018 @ 9:20 am

    Love this post of yours! Here, the baby peepers have been incredibly loud every evening.

  8. Janey
    March 13th, 2018 @ 9:28 am

    Shreve, is that beautiful baby the one you mention in the post?

    As I said before, ALL of your cows are the most beautiful ever.

  9. Holly
    March 13th, 2018 @ 9:54 am

    Oh my…what a beautiful face. You are so lucky to be surrounded by such beauty and sound and peace.

  10. Sheri Nugent
    March 13th, 2018 @ 10:05 am

    Is this the new baby from the first time mama? Will you name him/her?

    That face…. I die.

  11. Chris
    March 13th, 2018 @ 10:12 am

    I wonder if you could record an audio of Charlie singing and post it in one of your blogs…That would be so beautiful to hear!
    Calf eyelashes and curls? Gaaaw! :)

  12. Amy
    March 13th, 2018 @ 10:18 am

    She has the most perfect little pout!

  13. Keli
    March 13th, 2018 @ 10:24 am

    We need a bee update!! I’ve been thinking about them after reading how brutal your winter has been this year :(

  14. Nancy Dean
    March 13th, 2018 @ 10:52 am

    Awe, the baby is absolutely beautiful! Those eyes, gorgeous!

  15. Vee
    March 13th, 2018 @ 12:11 pm

    <3 <3 <3

  16. Patr
    March 13th, 2018 @ 12:38 pm

    Look at those eye lashes!?!?!? God is the best makeup artist!

  17. Debbie Lee
    March 13th, 2018 @ 4:18 pm

    Great news letter Shreve, spring is on the way. Must say the birds are tweeting loads around here now. What a lovely little calf, what interesting eyes she has. Best Deb Lee

  18. Jenny C
    March 14th, 2018 @ 7:17 am

    Delightful description of spring, Shreve, and beautiful little cinnamon calf. Such a blessing to have an uncomplicated birth with a new mom who took to motherhood so easily. Congratulations to all of you. What a thrill to hear Charlie singing his spring song.

    Our first 70-degree day of the year today in northern Colorado. Soon we’ll see crocuses, then daffies and tulips… and they will often be vivid against snow for another six weeks or so. I love winter and haven’t tired of snow but look forward to hearing the meadowlarks announcing spring has truly arrived.

  19. Laura
    March 15th, 2018 @ 9:26 pm

    what a lil beauty this baby is!!!

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