February is the last month before
spring shows her pretty face. And while winter refuses to give up its
hold on nature, we get enough glimpses of what will soon appear, to
lift our spirits. Jonquils burst forth, hanging their dainty heads
until a biting wind stirs them to defiance.
Groundhog's Day appears on February 2nd
when poor little Punxsutawney Phil is prodded from his cozy winter's sleep
to crawl out of his warm hole to predict the coming of spring. I say,
let him sleep. I'll bet no one would disturb a sleeping Grizzly Bear.
Red-breasted robins hop on the dead
grass, adding a splash of color on an overcast day. Other migratory
birds are returning. The days have become noticeably longer, allowing
more time to walk in the evenings.
Today, while I walked behind my
dogs down our country road, tree frogs croaked in the marshy bogs on
either side of the culverts. These critters were just happy to be
alive, singing their hearts out.
In Tennessee, we are blessed with the
occasional mild day during winter, even in February. We've enjoyed a
couple of days this past week with temps reaching the 60s. These are
good days to get out and load up on groceries. You never know when a
blizzard might hit. Overall—so far—it's been a mild winter for
our area.
February is also a celebration of
Valentine's Day, which means flowers and/or candy. This day arrived
last Friday, and regardless of my decision to restrain myself, I'm
down to the last six pieces in a 20-piece box of Russell Stover
chocolates.
Oh, dear! I could have gone all day
without confessing that. Truth is, my husband helped dwindle the
count. We had decided not to buy candy this year, but...well...I was
in the Dollar General two days after Valentine's Day, and lo and
behold, ALL Valentine candy was marked 25% off! Tell me--and be
honest--could you pass up a deal like that?
I had stuck to a fairly healthy diet
from Thanksgiving until after Christmas. And I was proud of myself
for it. Sh-h-h! Don't tell anyone, but a long bout of flu lasting
from New Year's Eve until the third week in January, assisted me in
my calorie reduction. Believe me when I say, loss of appetite was the
only good thing that came from that virus.
But, never fear; spring is on the way.
I can get outdoors and enjoy the milder weather, and daily walks my
dogs (weather permitting.) I can hardly wait for sunny days--the
mocking birds chirping in the trees, and the lonely call of the
whippoorwill in the woods behind our house. And the blasts from
hunters' rifles fall silent in the woods surrounding our cozy house
on the hill. Just the sounds of God's nature prevail.
Don't let overcast skies and snow--depending on where you live, dampen your spirits.
Pick up a good book by one of your favorite authors, curl up on the
couch with a steamy mug of coffee or hot chocolate, and get lost in
an intriguing adventure or a heart-palpitating romance that also
incorporates humor and an exciting plot.
Folks, spring is on its way. Be
patient, relax, read a great book, and enjoy the journey.
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My short read, JONQUILS IN THE SNOW is perfect for curling up with. Miranda's fiance skips town two days before their wedding. She's been hurting too long. When handsome tree-topper, Brady Watson shows up in her yard after an ice storm, she falls hard. But Brady is dealing with a loss. Can a cluster of Jonquils bursting through the snow, spell love and new beginnings for Miranda and Brady?
https://www.amazon.com/Jonquils-Snow-Laurean-Brooks-ebook/dp/B075H22SND
by Judy Ann Davis 
How
aware are you of the world around you? Do you take time to hear the
song of the birds in the morning or the serenade of insects at
night? Do you pause to hear the far off lonely sound of a train whistle?
Do you
stop what you’re doing to gaze skyward and enjoy a colorful cloud
formation
floating across the sky? When you see a bed of vibrant flowers that
catches your
eye, do you stoop to touch their soft petals and smell their fragrance?
