Monthly Archives: February 2019

Is It Spring Now?

Posted on February 28, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The snow which came at the beginning of February is almost a memory. Just a few patches remain, and today, the pond is thawed, the ice of yesterday and this morning gone. The chickens are back on grass, and loving … Continue reading →

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A Chicken Parade

Posted on February 25, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The village of Edison held their annual Chicken Parade yesterday at high noon. The quiet village was packed to watch happy chicken owners parade their chickens through the village. It’s a fun parade, all ten minutes of it. I don’t … Continue reading →

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It Takes All Winter

Posted on February 22, 2019 by amanandhishoe

It takes all winter for flower buds to age until they glimmer like starbursts on a frosty spring morning. Fragile, these gobo (burdock) seed pods shatter easily, waiting for a passing beast to rub against them and scatter their seeds. … Continue reading →

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Things to Ponder While the Snow Melts

Posted on February 19, 2019 by amanandhishoe

So what do you do with a doll you have loved for years as a child and are now too old to play with it? If you’re in Japan, you can have a funeral for it. There are Buddhist temples … Continue reading →

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A Two Week Break

Posted on February 17, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The snowpack is finally melting away, one snowflake at a time. For two weeks the ground has been covered with snow. It’s been a long time since we’ve had a snowpack last this long. Usually, they are gone in a … Continue reading →

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Glaciers Recede, Duck Eggs Appear

Posted on February 13, 2019 by amanandhishoe

I gathered the first eggs of the year yesterday. Among them was one of Emma’s, the biggest duck egg of all. With duck eggs for breakfast, I can forget about the snow. It is above freezing, the sun is burning … Continue reading →

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Snowed In

Posted on February 12, 2019 by amanandhishoe

This is a first. I had to shovel my way into the garden this morning. Shovel a path for the ducks to walk to their swimming hole. Shovel a path to the hoop house the ducks spend the night. The … Continue reading →

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No Sneaking About in the Snow

Posted on February 10, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The snow sparkles this morning under a blue, cloudless sky. You don’t need to ask, “Who goes there?” when powder-puff snow blankets the ground. Every last footstep of every last creature leaves an imprint in the snow. There is no … Continue reading →

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The Hush of Snow

Posted on February 8, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The pond is a sheet of snow today. The hush of a snowy day is so calming. With no wind, the soft, gentle flakes pile up everywhere. Vines become white ribbons chasing phantom shapes through the air. Dried flower stalks … Continue reading →

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2519 Is Just 500 Years Away

Posted on February 6, 2019 by amanandhishoe

Soaking soybeans is an artful practice. The beans are so peaceful, resting in the quiet water. I let them soak overnight in gently running water. It’s just the slightest of streams falling into the pot, not even making a ripple, … Continue reading →

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Snow Is a Gift

Posted on February 4, 2019 by amanandhishoe

Heavy snow in the morning calls for a change of plans. I’m staying put today. Not going anywhere. I’m not one to rush around, not like I used to when I was young. Mad dashes to the subway, frantic runs … Continue reading →

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A Question No More

Posted on February 3, 2019 by amanandhishoe

Until a short time ago the question was, “Will it snow this winter?” That question is now answered. It snowed this winter, a soft, gentle, beautiful snow. I can go ponder other things. Many of the better things in life … Continue reading →

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Daffodil Yellow

Posted on February 2, 2019 by amanandhishoe

The forecast is for colder weather with snowflakes, but the daffodils pay no heed. They’re opening their bright yellow petals despite the nippy air. The chickens love any day I make tofu. They pace back and forth by the cabin, … Continue reading →

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