Wednesday Walk with flashbacks

In February and March, the grey skies of winter transition to this beautiful blue. The snow still comes and goes but the light changes, and you can feel spring in the air. With each snowfall now, you wonder if it will be the last of the winter but it's not unusual to end March with a snowstorm.

I set out on my walk today and this is what you get at this time of year -- ugly snow. Let's contrast this with last month, below.

So much prettier.

The snow has melted off the roads so driving and walking have become easier except just ahead at Lake Mailbox.

A closer one of the same shot. I took this photo in early February and never got around to posting that walk. We have had thaws and more snow in that time.

Speaking of thawing, here we have an obstacle course and potential bath combined.

Around the corner. I think slipping and falling on the ice in December put me off my Wednesday walks this winter. It's not that I haven't walked but they were shorter walks without a camera.

OMG lawn! I think the city was removing extra snow here.

And behind the snow pile across the street is a trash can that didn't survive snow removal.

Away from the road, things are cleaner. Today's walk has a point -- I'm actually going to the deli but taking the long way so I can visit the bush.

This is the first time I have seen stakes in the ground to guide the little snow ploughs (or plows, depending where you learned your English.) We had a little more snow this winter but nothing extraordinary.

That's a beautiful old oak tree ahead with a squirrel's drey (nest) in it.

A closer shot for you.

I went past the children's playground and into the bush.

Later in the afternoon and the shadows are long.

Now I have to watch where I'm walking. The bush isn't that exciting at this time of year unless I meet someone walking a dog and it's those people who have worn the trail through here.

Turning to see the trail where I left.

In the foreground are sumac trees. This is where I was when I looked at my watch and reminded myself to get to the deli before it closed, and I made it.

Returning to my street, I took this photo as I rounded the corner. I took the same shot in mid-December, below, after the first big snowfall of the winter.