Back in Place: Spring Things

University Staff placing things back where they belong...at least for the next five months.....

So, now the things that were packed last summer...are back in place....its beginning to look a lot like --Persephone... 

Ok, so it is not really that warm and the little saplings were all grown in 'incubators'...so what, does it make me any less happy than seeing these grow in our own garden without any special help? 

Planters on campus....

Yes, still in jackets, but outdoors...isn't that enough?  It is for us, in Sweden!!

And we're back on bikes.  We really never give them up....but the spring rides are something else...

Always better and more fun, when with friends....

New Life, Resurrection, Nature and Us

Lakes are starting to melt.  The other day I went for a walk with L, and we stopped in the middle of our walk to listen to a small stream.   We could not see any running water, but we sure heard it.  The top was still all snow and ice, but the center had started to melt, and so there were sounds.  Water gurgling close to the earth, and birds up above.  Mating season is coming close, and all the males are ready to show off their plumes.

Daffodils galore!! They are everywhere. Cheapest and brightest!!

On my way to work, I noticed something I noticed this time of year last year.  Crocuses.  Signs of life.  Of the earth warming up.  We can now see the roads. In the beginning we get lost because it is hard to recognize places without snow.  Slowly we get used to it.  For now, even though we had a lovely day yesterday, we are back in the 'cold'.  We still need light jackets and gloves and hats.  But ah, the days are longer, already 14 hrs or so.  Hard to sleep beyond 5:30 in the morning. The light is bright.  And I blame no pollution for this problem!! But truly, the air is fresh and crisp!!  And once again the reminder, that time is not linear, but cyclical!! Turn, turn, turn.....

Returning Roshni (light)

These were taken in late January 2011. Only to show that by end of January there is a significant difference in the light.
While in November and December one can feel the darkness and you see flickering candles in the window panes, by the time January comes, there is hope all abound, even in the midst of snow. Actually, snow helps in reflecting the light. It makes it all silvery and makes is look dreamy. One can imagine why there are so many fairy tales that came out this part of the world. Half of the year is spent in this magical light, which is mainly a reflection off the moonlight on the snow. And the darkness here is just as stark, by the way. You do not want to venture into the woods when it is dark. Not because there is any fear of anyone lurking there....but because it is so dark that you cannot see your own limbs. However, your imagination runs wild. It is then that you imagine trolls and fairies.....perfect world for children and adults who choose to remain childlike....In the picture above, do notice the fine network of tree branches. Doesn't it look like a mesh of fishnet? I will have to ask around for what are these trees called. Sadly enough, in all the countries I have lived, people do not know the names of flowers or trees, even the ones they see everyday :(

Sunsets and sunrises, no matter how mild and dull are never experienced without letting out a sigh. This one is pretty spectacular. But I do have to say that the most brilliant ones I ever watched were in Fiji and over Lake Matheson in New Zealand (Fox Glacier, South Island).