Concerto in Frog Minor

Everyday we listen to the notes of man using our computers, phones, televisions, etc. The sage gains deeper understanding by taking the time to listen to the notes of the natural world.
~ Today's Daily Quote from the TaoWoods Center ~

As spring slowly springs forth in southwest Washington, I have made a conscious effort to take the above sentiment to heart. Over the past few days, my wife & I have consorted with worms, hummingbirds, eagles, ducks, flowers, ferns, trees and the like. We've taken the time to stop to see the world from their point of view.

It's not that such activities cannot be undertaken in winter, it's simply more difficult. While we typically don't get a lot of snow here -- this year was far different from the norm -- it rains and rains and rains. While I love rain, tromping around in wet conditions with the temperature in the mid to high 30s is not my idea of a fun time. So, winter here is a time to stay indoors.

The transition from winter to spring is the time to start getting out again. It still rains a lot -- we average over 6 inches for the month of April -- but it's not so darn cold. We also have more days of no rain and brief hints of summer-like temperatures.

Our summers tend to be delightful with average temperatures in July and August in the low 70s with little of the humidity that you easterners must put up with.

And so, I will spend a great deal of time over the next 6 months staring at clumps of grass or watching birds in trees or consorting with worms and other insects in my garden or sitting on a barren beach watching and feeling the rhythm of the waves. I'm certain I will write about some of these experiences, but many will be way too personal to put into words.

Spring is upon us! The frogs in the ponds below our house are preparing the symphony!