Ups and downs…

…and ups again. Like this sentence, it’s been a messy sort of a week or two. The last of the snow has melted, helped by some heavy rain and a rise(!) to below seasonal temperatures. Joy. It was calm following the rain, yet that’s when we lost power, somewhat inexplicably. Maybe a happy-for-the-sun squirrel popped out and accidentally and exuberantly chewed through a power line? Grounded…

The earlier iron and steel greys – calm at least, but where is spring?

With the calmer days, we’ve had some warmer afternoons and blue skies – why, one could almost be fooled into thinking spring is here and heavy winter rains will become sporadic light rain showers. It’s been pleasant to see the greys turn blue, and spy some fresh greenery poking through. Our walks are longer and drier – more time spent outdoors.

Hold on… Spring, is that you? Maybe…

We’re mourning the passing of a campfire companion this week, a lovely guy who’s gone on to the next life far too soon. I didn’t know him very well. He was a campfire presence a few times on some of the wilderness trips we shared with youth. JT had a calm presence, and was happy to spend time quietly telling stories shot through with flashes of good humour. He’d led a tough life, particularly in his younger days, and told me he enjoyed being home the past few years, preferring it to the hustle and bustle of life away. People liked to stop and say hi to him when he was in town, and you could see he was a well liked figure here and across the bay. We’ll miss him.

Optimistic

I’ll leave it here for this week. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Slainte!

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plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

8 thoughts on “Ups and downs…”

  1. I am sorry for your loss. It is really felt when it is a person who was well-liked in the community passes on. Your pictures of glass-like bays and docks (wharfs?) and green forests are so soothing. I have been spring cleaning and it is satisfying because it is done and I can get back outdoors. Still waiting for the green and the birds to appear. Got a kick out of your line, “Maybe a happy-for-the-sun squirrel popped out and accidentally and exuberantly chewed through a power line? Grounded…” My laugh for the day, thank-you.

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    1. Thanks, Jane. Lots of folks at the funeral, happy/sad to say.
      That squirrel? Shocking! (I think that’s enough electricity humour…)
      We’re still on a slightly warmer and sunnier run here, with more spring signs each day. Hooray! Hope you start to see some of that there, and wishing you a great weekend!

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  2. I’m sorry for your loss and that your community and campfire group has lost his calm presence. There was always something very special about your wilderness trips with the youth groups. We have had a squirrel knock out our power and I’m afraid to think what damage the turkeys are causing on the roof. Still no signs of spring here after a freezing weekend, but the rain and warmer temperatures arrive midweek. I think I set a record jinxing basketball teams this weekend and I was much happier about the Everton tie compared to Tottenham’s. Luckily there is a break before their matchup and I’m making no predictions.

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    1. Thank you – JT will be missed.
      Oh those squirrels! And turkeys!
      I’m hearing there have been some basketball surprises? It’s a big sport followed by local youth and their families here. I just nod and pretend to understand…
      Football surprises – is Conte still at Spurs? Will have to check after I post this!
      We’ve had a few more sunny days here, and I’m even prepared to admit it is spring!
      I hope your week is going well!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Sorry for the late response here, Adam, but I got carried away with the ups & downs of spring’s first appearance here, but now take comfort from your soothing words & photos & the certainty that your campfire companion of late will be remembered for the goodness he portrayed.

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  4. It’s tough to lose a friend, and winter seems to be the time when so many of our special ones let go. It makes the gray days tougher. But I’m glad you have some bits of spring coming in, pc. Really enjoyed your photos too. Take care, my friend.

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    1. Thanks, Jet, and you’re right about how it is sometimes tough this time of year. We’ve a close friend who isn’t likely to be with us much longer, and it’s sad to experience. He’s made his peace and when we visited today is still his feisty self overall.
      Definitely seeing a lot more of spring, and that’s been very welcome.
      Thanks again, and we hope all is well with you!

      Liked by 1 person

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