Our weather reversal backing us through a U-turn and returning us to winter after a tantalizing four days of remarkably warm and sunny weather isn't all that unusual for this area, but it never fails to take us by surprise. There must be, without doubt, some households where the furnace was turned off in anticipation of ongoing warmth and a gentle slide into summer. But not so fast ... our furnace has returned to duty these past three days.

 

Not only that but the brief interlude of summer had us contemplating summer-time meals, vastly different from the tummy-warming meals we looked forward to in winter. I almost regretted having taken the winter-weight duvet off our bed; it takes a while to warm up sufficiently comfortably without it when night-time temperatures once again flirt with frost. And because it was so blustery-cold and rainy yesterday a big pot of vegetable soup simmering on the stove felt like a gustatory rescue. As did the whole-wheat cumin-flavoured cheese rolls I baked to accompany the soup.

 

Seems the rain clouds have exhausted themselves. The day began cloudy and more rain was forecast, but none materialized and the sun even dropped by for a while. By the time we ventured out to take Jackie and Jillie to the ravine for their daily hike through the forest, the sun had retreated for good, and we were left with wind drying the sodden forest and the return of leaden skies.

 

The temperature had edged up to 3C, and we dressed accordingly, so we couldn't complain that we weren't comfortably geared to the cold. The trails are beginning to get a little more solid underfoot, and there's scarcely a trace left of snow and ice. The municipality came around to post warning signs finally and temporary closure signs on the main trail where the giant pine had fallen blocking ingress to that portion of the ravine.

 

 

Jackie and Jillie are becoming accustomed to their new trail directions, everything in reverse by necessity, bypassing our usual circuit, now blocked by the prostrate pine and the other trees it had taken down with it. In the past several days we've seen no one out on the trails, but today was quite different. Many of the dogs familiar with Irving's cache of cookies came trotting over for a reunion.

 

 

The weather could be worse. Spring really is on the way. And even at this time of year when the forest looks leaf-bare and bleak with the departure of the snowpack, it's a distinct pleasure to wander along the trails. Irving removed the cleats from his boots though I haven't yet, in deference to the remaining ice on some of the trails and bridges. A good vigorous walk, breathing in fresh air makes us appreciate all the more the simple and important pleasures of life.