As the geese fly rhythmically overhead destined on a path intertwined with the arrival of Spring, I often wonder what signs were revealing to the early homesteaders so that once again they could emerge from their Winter confines and begin anew...
Did they too hear the echoing call of the Whistler swans as the flocks foraged in the neighbouring fields...
When the brooks began to flow with the snowmelt did they realize it was time to begin the repetitious, labouring of clearing and plowing the land...
What encouraged the womenfolk to bring the heavy woolen quilts and rugs into the fresh air to be strewn about on fences and bushes, to whisk away the dust and dirt that had collected throughout the home, heavy with ash from the hearth for a good turnin' out...
Would she notice the sprouting of the hollyhocks out by the privy or the buttercups beginning to rise above the grasses awaiting the summon of the warming sunshine to bring forth their delicate flowers...
Would they hitch up the wagon and set out for the miller's to secure a sac of flour to replenish that which had dwindled over the harsh, cold Winter...
And would they brighten the church with a new coat of whitewash in anticipation of Easter service and the joining of community...
The rapture of Spring beckons today and lures us into the outdoors with the power very much the same as centuries ago...
* Photos taken at Ball's Falls Conservation area and Historic Jordan Village, Ontario.
