False Spring Number Two

Shortly to be followed by Winter Number Three

Yesterday was a startlingly warm spring-like day. And sunny, which was a blessed relief after the incessant rain and misery of the past few weeks. Spring in Wisconsin—which this, most certainly is not—is led by a succession of false starts, fake-outs, and general disappointment. Here, we have the rain, fog, and mud for a few months—interspersed with the occasional blizzard—and then suddenly it’s 90F. Easter is often celebrated in the snow, and the dream of a floral Easter dress is only that; we are used to wearing coats, boots, hats, mittens, and warm woolen clothing to Easter Vigil. Maybe with a colorful turtleneck. Having grown up here, I didn’t even understand what all the poetry and music and general euphoria was about until, as an adult, I lived in Virginia for a year. Then it was a revelation.

So, while friends and neighbors are digging out their sandals and clearing their gardens I, on the other hand, am delighted that we may be getting a whole lot of snow this weekend. But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy yesterday as much as the next person. Or that I won’t be wandering around in the rain later this afternoon with Gardening Soulmate, Joe, talking about where to plant the willow tree. So far I have not found a way to control the weather. Please advise.

I took Auggie to the chiropractor yesterday, and when we arrived early, since it was so nice, we took the opportunity to stroll around for half an hour. The chiropractor moves around, and this time her location was the site where Auggie completed his Therapy Dog certification, and he clearly remembered it. He doesn’t walk on leash very often these days. Mostly he and Eli romp around the property and do what they like. So I wasn’t sure how Auggie would do on leash after such a long hiatus. But—of course—he was perfection. I really can’t take credit for it. It’s just who he is: a highly-motivated Type A dog who learns everything practically the first time. He immediately remembered his responsibilities and stepped out exactly as he should. I found myself forgetting he was even attached to me as we walked around in the sunshine. I resolved to work more with Eli—who is not Type A, more like Type Z—so that we can all walk together in public as I used to do with Pete, Moses, and Auggie.

Don’t get me wrong. Eli is every bit as smart as Auggie. We are daily witnesses to his strategic mind. But he is a great big couch potato, and because he entered our lives in the torpor of COVID, although he had some training, I never made enough effort to clean up his sloppiness. Yesterday I had to return him to his down-stay easily a dozen times. Meanwhile, as Auggie ages, Eli is beginning to push for a promotion to alpha, which we will not countenance. Pete ruled the roost as alpha to his dying day, and so will Auggie.

So, today I will call my trainer and we will re-commence Eli’s education. In the end, all of our lives will be better for it: Eli will be taken to more places and be able to accompany us more often; and as a result Auggie, too, will also be able to come with us more often. We will not feel constrained by Eli’s unpredictability, and will be able to take more walks in town and be around other dogs. I should have done it before. He is the first dog I’ve had of whom I’ve demanded so relatively little. Better late than never.

We ended our day sitting on the terrace for the first time this year. We were all tired, and were in bed long before the fire burned out, but it was pleasant and relatively bug-free. Not completely, however, which was somewhat alarming. I understand their value to the ecosystem and all, and I carry beetles and spiders outside when I find them in the house. (Mosquitoes and deer flies are peremptorily sanctioned.) But I really am not a bug fan. Another reason to love winter.

It’s a gray dawn, and in this time of year the woods give the illusion of being lifeless. But they are not. Along with the snowdrops I mentioned yesterday, there are the tiniest tips of early daffodils showing in the grass, and the sugar maples along the driveway are dripping sap on pavement. All will endure—even thrive—in the coming snow, and the rest of the garden has the sense to remain in hibernation for now.

I have many administrative details to attend to today. which I do not enjoy. And this morning Eli has an appointment with his ophthalmologist (Yes, I know how that sounds.) whose office is about an hour away. So, that’s the morning, right there. On the other hand, there’s the willow tree planning to look forward to.

We live in hope.

Happy Tuesday.

***
“All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.” ~Julian of Norwich

And now for your gratuitous dog photo:

Auggie loves and trusts his chiropractor, who always makes him feel better. She is a warm and kind person who loves her work because as she says, she gets to hug dogs all day.

Daffodils!