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.
16 comments:
what a wonderful post and beautiful photos,Susan.
Is this lovely old place near where you live?
I love seeing these old places.
Such a sweet post! Love your photographs~ We have a historic, turn of the century, village called Genesee Country Village (this is the link to their site)
http://www.gcv.org/
If you are ever nearby... it is a treat!
Hope your weekend is wonderful!
Oh Susan what a wonderful post! These geese remind me of the Canadian Geese that congregate in huge numbers around the ponds and on the naked fields(similar to your photos) in Southern Oregon where our ranch is located. When we lived there I used to watch for them to herald the coming spring... as winters are long and cold up there. Beyond that reminder, your post made me think to myself (as I have done so often) that perhaps I was born in the wrong era. (: I so love the old ways. I've learned many of them from my parents and grandparents, and even try to adhere to many of them... one very simple one being that of taking the rugs and quilts out for a good cleaning in spring. Maybe its all just nostalgia, but honestly, I could handle a life less complicated. Thank you for this lovely post! xxxVicki
What a beautiful post! You live in such a lovely area. It's so good to STOP.... and reflect like this. Thank you! Have a good weekend. Ros
What a lovely post, I love the photos and it looks like a place I could visit and enjoy.
Love
Lyn
xxx
What a beautiful tribute to the coming of spring:). I love the way you wove the story to go with the pictures. I am ready for spring:)!
Blessings,
Kim
Hello Susan! I loved your post! I think you must be a writer!(: I love all of the interesting information that you share with us and your photos are beautiful! Have a lovely weekend!hugs~Kathy
Your words are like poetry and the images so peaceful..I always wonder too how those Canada geese know when to travel back to my world
What a beautiful place, Susan . . . so peaceful . . . your photos are wonderful.
Laura
You wrote this so betifully that I thought I was there with them back in history
Hi Susan...this is a wonderful post. I loved seeing the homesteads and imagined myself living in one of those. Just to think of emerging from one of these at Winter's end...
Now I have turned it round and thinking the other way...getting ready for the start of Winter...getting all the crafts ready...the firewood...the baking...Such wonderful thoughts!!!
Enjoy your Spring as we gently head into Autumn...Dzintra♥x
What a lovely and relaxing post..such beauty. Thank you for sharing these wonderful photo's.
Wishing you a lovely day,
Doreen
Welcome Spring! I'm sure the homesteaders were very ready for the new season to arrive! Lovely photos.
Beautiful pictures, and a lovely evocation of the past!
Pomona x
A timely and evocative post Susan on what has today been a glorious spring day!
Those homesteads look pretty magical - what a wonderful place to visit.
I'm still manically busy with work but hope to have more time very soon.
Jeanne x
How wonderful to be able to see such wonderful birds in so large a number! I must admit although we live in the suburbs of a large city we are fortunate to have a Golf Course nearby, with a lake. How I love to hear the call of the wild geese as they fly over our house in the Spring. Tho' there are usually only a small few flying as they do in their V formation I shoot outside to see them.
Your photographs and stories are so lovely! Hope your weekend is a good one.
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