Last week the fireplace was on all day, we bundled up going out to the ravine with Jackie and Jillie and still felt cold.  A few days later a bit of warmth began to creep into the atmosphere and I finally put away the heavy winter duvet on our bed. Yesterday we had a hint of spring finally, with 16C and full sun. Today, the  house windows have been thrown wide open. The temperature soared to 28C with full sun. 

Yesterday Irving took his truck in for an oil change and walked back home while the truck was kept overnight. This morning after breakfast he took another 30 minute walk to pick up the truck and visit the Ministry of Transport office to renew his driver's license, after yesterday's tests. He was exhausted when he got back home. Walking on city streets doesn't suit us. We find it energy draining, nothing like walking about on the trails in the forest for infinitely long and more comfortable periods of time.

 

While he was out Jackie and Jillie led me on a walk around the backyard to assess its condition, now that there is barely any snow left. I emptied the bird bath of all its accumulated water and foliage now that the solid block of ice that had occupied it all winter finally melted. Then I began moving winter clothes to be replaced by warm-weather clothing.

When we ventured out on this unbelievably hot day no one wore jackets. We did still need our cleated boots, though. While the snow is fast melting in the forest, the trails remain locked in ice for the most part. The heat of this day softened the ice on most, but not all of the trails. Surprisingly the ice was firm and glassy on some, and at one point I got stuck, fearful of moving back or forward, in a truly compromised position, threatening to slide down the bank into the creek.

 

Irving came to my rescue with his more secure footing and hauled me out of my dilemma. And we moved on. We could hear, but weren't able to see, goldfinches, so they've returned. The sun's heat and brightness created a stupendous glare, so just as well I was wearing sunglasses. My eyes are more sensitive now that I'm awaiting cataract surgery next week.

 

Irving couldn't resist taking a photograph of me wearing a light, bright-white summer top in a background of snow on its way to spring melt. Jackie and Jillie seemed pleased to be out without even a light jersey for a change. It's been a long time. From time to time we passed through microclimates of icy temperatures, particularly at the lower reaches of the ravine, which albeit cold, seemed refreshing given the melting heat that prevailed elsewhere.