Winter Surprise

I keep thinking that winter is over.  Then I look outside and am reminded that it is merely the beginning of March.  Yes, still winter.

Winter is my second favorite season (or maybe my third, depending on what time of year it is).  I really do enjoy the white covering over all the ugly remnants of the weed patch (aka garden) next to the house.  But not being able to even drive to the road is a problem.

Today I had an unexpected surprise.  I heard what I thought was the trash truck outside.  I looked and a red pickup was driving down my driveway.  Odd I thought.  Then the good Samaritan proceeded to drive back and forth across the entrance to the drive, tamping down the large pile left by the snow plow.  I could not believe it!  I was preparing myself to go (wading through the snow) to the edge of the drive an attempt to lift the heavy accumulation off so I might have a chance of driving out tomorrow or the next day.  What a gift!  I do not know who the person was, but am so thankful that they took the time to make a path.

The birds continue to empty the feeders at least once each day.  Another reason for me to attempt to get to the road - I need to restock bird seed and suet.  In addition, I have sort of "adopted" an outside kitty.  I deposit a dish of cat food every day next to the garage and by the following morning it is empty.  I set up a small shelter next to the garage as well.  I propped open the door of a cat carrier and placed a blanket inside.  I figure if it gets really cold (like it has been for the past couple of weeks) perhaps the kitty will have enough courage to enter and warm up.  I have seen the foot prints leading to the shelter, but am not convinced that he/she took advantage of it (yet). 

I really think the outside kitty is a he.  One day last week I thought I saw a fox in my drive way.  However, since then the "fox" I see is a very large tabby.  He appears to be well cared for, and is quite the mouser (I saw him spring into action on two occasions - and more power to him!  fewer mice around here is just fine with me).

But spring is certainly just around the corner.  In the short meantime my three "inside" kitties are restricted to the small space immediately next to the house.  They apparently are not very fond of the snow, and I didn't shovel enough for them to forage forth and find the dead grasses next to the sidewalk. 

Perhaps it will rain.  Perhaps that will eliminate most of the snow.  Perhaps the kitties will be able to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.  Or perhaps winter will hang on and force all to stay inside. 

But it is March and this is the Midwest.  So wait a day and let us see what the weather will be. 

 "I prefer winter and Fall, when you feel the bone structure of the landscape — the loneliness of it, the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it, the whole story doesn’t show." ~Andrew Wyeth