Some snow in Whitewater, but quite a lot in Oconomowoc, where I went to take Becca to dance. Streets in that town crowded with robins apparently seeking heat or shunning depth.
Becca looked great as she and her cohorts rehearsed a tap number set to “The Good Ship Lollipop.”
For his annual checkup.
The vet is in Janesville, on the far south side, so the ride there takes a minute or two—(continued below the photo).
About a mile from the office Pax began acting squirrely, and started panting and shaking. Then, when I pulled up to the building and opened the door to get out, Pax slipped past and lit out for the territories (actually across a big field). That’s when things became difficult for him—my shouts of “wait” met up with his experience of “vet.”
Noble being that he is, my wishes eventually superseded his wishes, and we came together. But from there back to the vet’s office I pretty much had to carry the poor guy. And that was not all that easy on this old guy.
Still and all, Pax is in fine fettle—sound of mind and body—with excellent ears, eyes, and teeth (and everything else), and almost right at his target weight.
All afternoon he as been demonstrably contrite for his attempted escape.
I do love that dog.
T.S.Eliot was wrong about April being the cruelest month, at least on days like this one. Sunny, windy, and warm. Even a t-shirt a bit much when wielding shovel, rake, and barrow. Large numbers of robins and college students out on the quickly greening grass.
Except within poetic pale
I have not found a nightingale,
Nor hearkened in a dusky vale
To song and silence blending;
No stock-dove have I ever heard,
Nor listened to a cuckoo-bird,
Nor seen a lark ascending.
But I have felt a pulse-beat start
Because a robin, spending
The utmost of his simple art
Some of his pleasure to impart
While twilight came descending,
Has found an answer in my heart,
A sudden comprehending.
...when wilt thou blow, that the small rain down shall rain?
Working on mulch
Little wind today, actually, but still the small rain down did rain. And that, added to the warmth, will be the kickstarter to spring growth. The grass seed spread yesterday will now imbibe, and the established grass will wake from dormancy. Taken all together, there’s going to be some greening.
Working on mulch
Shorts and t-shirt weather. Almost hot in the sun.
ol’ Mother Nature. Cold and gray with snow-like drizzle this morning, but sunny, warm and pleasant by afternoon.
Spring is trying.
Fun trip to the big city, including a large number of adventures (not to mention the previously mentioned gypsy jazz)—free bread and soup at a charity kitchen, scrounging around the Brown Elephant, crab cakes and a flight of various French toasts at Batter and Berries, and a stop in at CDB/Kratom Chicago where I bought a few cannabis treats for Pax (in case of thunderstorm or fireworks).
In Chicago with the Habes. Walking, dining, going out for gypsy jazz.
Gypsy jazz at the Green Mill. Alfonoso Ponticelli on (incredible) lead guitar.
Sue still helping out in Oconomowoc, and Pax visiting in Fox Point (since we have to go to Chicago tomorrow).
“The day was perfect—well not really, but close enough.”
—Beverly Cleary
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Stay tuned for further updates.
In other news, yesterday’s roaring north wind has been replaced by today’s roaring south wind. In scientific language that is known as an “improvement.”
Ellie and me, by velocipede, circum-pedaling Lac La Belle. Over seven miles, in a chilly wind. But no matter to us. Ellie, on her new bike, is a force to be reckoned with.
March winds—ice-breaking weather, with a ripping north blow, heavy gray clouds, and snow squalls. No matter to the rhubarb, however, as it likes spring weather. Clouds blown away by evening.
The green manure seeded in the garden has yet to show any enthusiasm. I was thinking a touch of rain might work the seeds in, but no rain since planting except for last night’s shower, which did nothing. Looks likeI might need to rake seed in some more, since the neighborhood birds are miffed that the feeders are down.
Morning helping—hanging with the boys. We are getting to really know each other. Evening devoted to basketball.
…and spring peepers, just two days after ice out. Hardy little animals.
While Sue was helping out in Oconomowoc, I worked on converting the replacement trailer into something useful for an iceboat.
On a slightly different note: we received our Kagawong cottage homeowner insurance policy renewal notice today. No mention of excessive snow, but a line item called “Cannabis Endorsement Coverage.” Not sure what’s included in that one.
...and up and out of the basement.
Turned out pretty well I think, though the proof will be when she gets her bottom wet.
Most of the day spent at Victoria Lane, as Bri and Renee are off to Barcelona, Spain. While I did get to spend some good time with the boys, I rather lucked out in taking the older girls bicycle shopping on a lovely spring day at a shop right along the Glacial Drumlin State Trail. All three of us got to take bikes for a long test ride, with me on an E-bike, don’t you know, something I’ve long wanted to try. Ellie, considering the proximity of her birthday, ended up with a suitably-sized gear bike (21 gears) equipped with disc brakes. Maddie’s birthday is in September and she is homing on on what kind of vehicle she would want. Becca, poor kid, has lots of lightly used bikes at her disposal. Meanwhile, I’m thinking an E-bike might be a marvelous thing in two or three years.
Mimi got the more difficult task, but then, about 5:30, Dawn (Yaya) arrived, and then the ratio was improved to 2 grandmas per five kids. These 2 grandmas are gong to have an interesting time the next 5 days. Holy, moly.
...where the ice is gone and the only remaining snow consists of a few dark piles sheltering in the shade. Husky warm wind Marching up from the south.
But on Manitoulin, as this photo illustrates, winter still causing problems.
Chipping ice, cleaning closets, hiking to the point, sitting in front of the fire.
Still winter but very nice up in the north woods.
Or what were, in drier times, farm fields. Big, low-lying fields adjacent to the Rock River, on the outskirts of Fort.
White pelicans, which have, in the past decade, begun reappearing in Wisconsin. This flock of maybe a dozen birds is probably on its way to Horicon Marsh or Green Bay. Not sure what they are eating here as the water is only half a foot deep.
The in-town part of Fort is also experiencing high water—but still about 3 feet below the record flood.
...all around, in the air and on the ground. Many other species, too (redwings, killdeer, and the like)—enjoying sun and warmth.
Pax, washed and combed (after months of neglect), now has the mane of a lion and the wool of a sheep. With a little shearing he could contribute to a very nice cardigan. Furthermore, he is letting us know that he has had enough of the indoors—and while not demanding a walk, he is emphatically requesting to be outside.
We got to watch Ellie play in her second-ever volleyball match, and that was fun. We had planned to head up to the Janowiec cabin after that, but held turned back due to report so frozen pipes and septic problems.
Projects and errands and—dog washing. Pax is now a wooly fluffball, in need of shearing.
This afternoon to an open house for a neighbor down the street who is running for municipal judge. After that, out for fish with two other neighbors across the street. That followed by sequence.
My bracket is badly busted. And the Mueller Report is out, whatever that means.