March 01, 2012

Vernal Prelude.

Returning from the mountains of central Europe, the twelve hour drive back took us through two seasons. Leaving the snowy tree tops of fairytale landscape behind, so very saturated by a winter wonderland, we crossed the threshold into early spring upon our return home.

Winter in Scandinavia is certainly on retreat, even though it might still leave us in dust of snow as it gives up its reign.
There is that unmistakable feeling in the air, so difficult to define, yet so very easy to perceive. The sun has gained in strength beyond belief, shining stronger and longer. Finding a spot in our garden, shielded from the westerly winds, I can sit outside for the first time this year, savoring its vital warmth.
Our yard is littered with signs of life and renewal, as the first spring flowers begin to bloom. I find it infinitely exhilarating as I explore the spring vegetation surrounding my home, finding stalks of crocuses and daffodils which I planted last autumn as well as established flowers that has been here for years.

As we enter the third month of the year, we experience a vernal prelude signifying an imminent change of seasons and the beginning of the best time of the year here in the cold North.

31 comments:

Kath said...

we have thick fog here today and can barely see the tor, but yesterday I was out in the garden, weeding and enjoying all the new growth.
Your description of the mountains sounds wonderful.

Ash said...

Can't wait for spring! Lovely photos, Zuz!

Brian Miller said...

smiles. always great to see you zuzana...i am def looking forward to spring...all the new life and color...and to stop dancing between the seasons

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I look with LONGING at the lovely colors in your photo collage! So pretty and delicate looking!!!! A glimpse of spring is WELCOME!

Rahul Bhatia said...

Zuzana, your posts are a visual delight! A feast for eyes and lovely words!Good to see you back on net:)

Anonymous said...

So happy to see you are back Zuzana. Hope you had a fabulous time. It's nice to read you again and discover these lovely touches of Spring yet to settle down.
Take care.xx

A Plain Observer said...

I disliked spring in my younger years. I longed for the scalding hot sun of summer. Now I love to watch the subtle changes in the air. I love the longer daily minute of daylight. I find it a time of renewal.

Dan said...

Hi Zuzana
A 12 hour drive?! Oh my goodness, you must have been glad to finally get home, but yes, what a great opportunity to see the changes in warmth and weather along the way.
We are seeing very welcome signs of spring here too.
Dan
-x-

Anonymous said...

Wow - what gorgeous spring shots! We still have quite a bit of ice and snow, but it's melting fast... (Winter could be back next week though.)

Anonymous said...

Cold, snowy and windy here today, but there's hope in the air. :) It won't be too much longer before signs of spring appear.
Your flowers are beautiful, Zuzana!
Hugs,
Zuzu

tony said...

Yes I Feel This Change Too Here.Literally....A Matter of Degree.Roll On Summer!

Roger Gauthier said...

May I correct you, dear Zuzana? Scandinavia is not the cold North, at least not for us up here. It is truly warmer than winter here because of the dying gulf stream and the north Atlantic drift.

Just to give you an idea, we're had about 20 cm of fresh snow since yesterday, and still going on… Temperatures around -8 to -10°C, with an almost honest -21 three days ago…

And where Suzanne Bouchard lives, 1500 km to the northeast, their winter is a six-month business. I tell you, what a country.

Have fun, I'll be back!

Roger Gauthier said...

… and I forgot to tell you, gorgeous flowers and plants you have there. Here those things are two months away. There is three feet of snow everywhere. :-)

Myrna R. said...

Zuzana, I'm so glad you're back. You sound refreshed, renewed like the spring flowers you have photographed. You do have such a gift for describing nature, and for capturing it with your camera.

A Lady's Life said...

You probably brought spring with you
zuzana lol Full of color :)

Donna said...

Lovely photos of spring, Zuzana. It is 82 degrees here today and you can guess where I've been all day...out in the sunshine.

Thank you for your kind thoughts on my last post.

xoxo
Donna

Elizabeth said...

YES, spring is slowly moving in again. You know, last sunday I took a nap outside in the hammock, can you believe it. It was still February!!!!

Have to bring us down to earth again. Next week the forecast is snow!!!!

I'll put the hammock away again :))

bright star said...

Hope you had a great break Zuzana!
Yes there are definate signs of spring here in Cornwall,bulbs are up in the garden,I have some beautiful pale lilac crocus showing and Emma and I(stepdaughter and good friend) sat outside with woolies on for a lunch of spicy soup. A blue day! lol

sprinkles said...

It snowed last night and today. This weekend, it's supposed to be warm.

SandyCarlson said...

Having put myself beyond winter, I miss it. Your photos and your post are beautiful.

R.H. said...

Well that's all right for you, summer is on the skids here, misery to follow.

Bhatia says your posts are a visual delight. I say you are, and then some.

Unknown said...

Zuzana: How incredible it must have been to experience two seasons along your journey! A wonderful way to Officially welcome Spring! xoxo! Enjoy!! :)

Rajesh said...

Wow! this sure is exciting trip passing through two different seasons.

सहज समाधि आश्रम said...

nice post

Julie Hibbard said...

Your writing is so beautiful. And your photographs, as always, so stunning. I take great JOY in watching the seasons change--naturally. No stress, no planning, no crazy hormonal side effects...they just change. And, along with that change comes tremendous beauty.
We really need to take more lessons from nature.
Have a lovely weekend, Zuzana

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Zuzana,

Your photographs are so beautiful, all the sweet new Spring bulbs.
Isn't it such a wonderful time of the year, when you say goodbye to winter and welcome in Spring and warmer weather. We are going into Autumn and cooler days, but I am happy.

Hope you are enjoying the weekend
Hugs
Carolyn

SandyCarlson said...

I love and admire your description of spring, of change.

P.N. Subramanian said...

The photographs are very appealing. I loved them. Thanks.

Amanda Summer said...

what beautiful color.....and what a wonder that spring eternally announces its arrival with such glorious fanfare.

wishes for a blessed week ahead, zuzana.

amanda

xoxo

S. Susan Deborah said...

Lovely break you might have had, Zuzana. here the summe ris about to begin and so will the sweat and heat.

Hope you enjoyed your time out.

Joy always,
Susan

Hilary said...

Big sigh! We had such an easy winter this year but I still love to see Spring's approach.