April 4

The house shuddered at today's dismal daybreak. Northeast winds, gusting over 40mph, roared noisily through the trees like a subway train in a tunnel. I lay there in the dim light wondering where the tumult had come from. After recently publishing "The Last Tough Day?" posting I felt nudged to take it all back and eat crow.

Eating Crow

In my own defense I recalled the easy circumstances of March 21 that lulled me into posting on this blog, "The forecast says [today's tough] weather is an outlier with no more frosts predicted this month. Then on to fickle April." Oh, boy, the give-and-take month caught me dreaming again.

Seedlings this morning

There's snow on the ground! Just yesterday I'd put out some trays of hardy seedlings to slow their growth after germination on the office floor. Hopefully they're only stunned and ready to bounce back from this April betrayal.

Hellebores (Christmas Rose) yesterday

Yesterday the woodland garden seemed to be in the business of bringing smiles. I went out back to check on the early blossoms.

Confounded Hellebores

Blooming in the snow may be how Hellebores earned their name "Christmas Rose".

Daffodils that might have opened today

The spring bulbs were braving the conditions stoically. They held their floral debut for another day.

Folly Cove with the in-breaking northeaster

The State Park didn't seem like a good bet for wildlife photography, but the coves on either side of Halibut Point offered scenic drama.

Andrews Point during the storm

Truly intrepid and expert bird watchers go there during heavy weather with the hope of seeing pelagic birds blown in from their offshore habitats. The pelting rain precluded any glimpses of alcids this morning.

Titmouse at the home feeder

Back home waited the quiet satisfaction of being able to offer sunflower seeds to soggy songbirds at the feeder as it swung wildly in the wind.