Polar Opposites

Tuesday felt like having a visit from an old friend, she was sunny, warm and in the high 50s. We had a lovely hike along Carmel’s section of the Monon Trail to embrace this brief break from winter weather. It felt like a movie trailer though, giving a preview of the spring weather expected in several weeks; “Coming Soon!” But I couldn’t shake that this friend had some ominous news to share and she wanted to do it in “person.” That news was, of course, that a winter storm was looming, setting up to make its appearance within 24 hours.

In keeping with providing random nature facts, I can note that Tuesday, February 1st – 2nd was the midpoint between the start of winter solstice and spring equinox. Traditionally in America it’s the time much attention is on a furry critter and whether he sees his shadow or not, in Finland it’s called kevattalvi (meaning springwinter in English), and close to my heart, in Ireland it’s called Imbloc. This is the “Celtic festival celebrating the emerging life in the world around us.” The festival lasts from the evening of February 1 and ends the evening of February 2. How apropos that both winter and spring put their best foot forward this week.

Tuesday was beautiful, and we took advantage of this warmth to explore the section of the Monon Trail that runs between Main Street & City Center Drive. Often rail trails are called linear parks, and this section definitely has a park vibe. Kiddos were playing in green spaces and we even stopped and played a little Bocce Ball. Carmel takes its Arts District very serious.

That’s Indiana for you…last Saturday I was dressed like I was in the Alaskan Tundra, Tuesday I simply wore a sweatshirt, then back to the Alaskan Tundra wear for our Thursday hike.

Winter threw what it had at us the second half of this week: sleet, freezing rain, frigid temps and a lot of snow! Being unable to drive anywhere for a few days our hike Thursday was simply around the neighborhood. Since travel was hazardous the streets were unusually abandoned, making it possible to get out and hike on the street without worry of cars.

I’ll leave you with a quote I came across while digging deeper into the Irish festival, Imbolc. “Here is hope. We welcome the growth of the returning light and witness life’s insatiable appetite for rebirth.” That pretty much sums it up for me.

Housekeeping Notes:

After several weeks of unsuccessful attempts to figure out why these blogs are not forwarding automatically to “subscribers” or unable to see comments from viewers I’m admitting defeat and wanted to share if you have sent a notification to become a subscriber, sorry you will have to continue to either see posts on FB or go directly to SlaxMuddyBoot.com. And if you have left me a comment, I have not intentionally ignored you; I’ve simply never seen it.

'Til next time.