IN SPITE OF THE WEATHER

A nature walk in April calls for wet weather accessories like an umbrella or a rain hat.

---

April showers bring May flowers, the saying goes. Same for snow? I know, we live in Wisconsin, and weather is a fickle thing. At the crossroads of winter and spring it plays with our emotions. We revel in the warmer days, then dive into a funk when snow and cold sneaks back onto the scene. Sometimes within less than 24 hours. It's maddening.

This is one of the reasons I find our neighborhood parks to be such blessings. When the weather literally changes minute to minute, there's still a way to get outside and sneak in a bit of fresh air, maybe a walk along a short trail, or a few laps around a pond.

Spring snow covering the trees along the lagoon at Greenfield Park.

---

There's a hint of green peeking out on tree branches, and some of the spring migrants have begun to arrive - robins hunting for bugs and worms in the wet dirt, red-wing blackbirds calling from last summer's faded cattails.

In my anxiousness for true spring, warmer days, and wildflowers rising, in spite of the rain, I can't seem to stop myself from visiting one of several of my favorite local parks.

​Even if I just sit in my car and take in the view, the window cracked to hear the rain falling and the sound of birds calling. Sometimes it's just long enough for me to drink a bit of coffee, sort through my thoughts, maybe get through another chapter in whatever book I'm reading before I dig in to the rest of my day.

In spite of the April snowfall, buds on the trees are starting to open.

Red-wing blackbirds are back on the spring scene.

---

A flock of sandhill cranes crossing over in gray skies.

Other days I'm better prepared with a rain hat, an umbrella, waterproof hiking shoes, and I get out and walk in the rain, squish through a muddy trail. I feel almost virtuous when I do this. Though others do it on the regular.

While I'm safe and dry, ensconced in the drivers seat with my book and my thoughts, I witness several dedicated walkers doing laps around the pond in the rain. I try not to feel guilty.

---

Soon, with luck, the warmer days will outnumber the cold, and I'll finally get outside to start work on the garden. My Pinterest board is loaded with ideas, and there is plenty of work to be done.

​But then I'll be torn between heading out to a trail or working on our habitat for wildlife. Not a bad dilemma to have, I suppose. I'm looking forward to it. Greener days are coming!

Greener days are coming.