Seasons
As a person from a semi tropical climate that has been living in Minnesota for almost five years I now feel qualified to talk about the weather, seasons and wildlife. There are many differences between the two places on this planet that I have called Home during my adult years. There are also similarities in what I hope I can achieve with the things I do. The most important to me being life, not only of family but also pets, plants, wildlife and the soil. It has always been important to me to try to make a difference, back in Australia on a residential lot it was on a much smaller scale, but no less important. We can all do our part to help Mother Earth...

In Queensland, Australia, the main differences are brought by weather changes, less than season changes, dry weather brings a dull landscape with many plants struggling for their very existence. Water is a precious commodity and due to shortages cannot always be used on the garden in dry times. It can be so disheartening to see a plant that you have nurtured whither and die when water is scarce. When the rain finally comes it brings new growth, and lush green that is often too short lived.  There is a real beauty in the landscape especially after rain, everything looks clean and new. The colorful flowering trees and the beautiful parrots who come to visit in search of nectar, the frogs who spawned in my ponds, the brilliant Summer storms, these things of beauty will forever be a part of me; my heart and soul.

Sometimes when I close my eyes I can imagine the little skinks who would bask in the sun on my brick path, the dart off into the thick growth of ferns and sip water from my ponds. I recall the strange popping sound of the striped marsh frog during mating season and the giant tree frog croaking in the rain gutter, while the smaller tree frogs often found a home in my indoor potted plants. I can hear the sound of the noisy minors, and see the spectacular colors of the rainbow lorikeets as they noisily gorge themselves with the sweet nectar from the tree blossoms, sometimes to the point where they became drunk. I had a small oasis which attracted many types of wildlife and I got such pleasure from this and sharing it with my growing children.

The magic here is different, the landscape seems more alive, and predictable, with the seasons having a much greater influence upon it.  When we first arrived here in Minnesota from Queensland's summer scenery, golden beaches and green landscape there was a huge contrast. Winter had just drawn her last breath, but mornings were still frosty and the trees on the hillside were stark against a dull background, at that time I saw little beauty, just dull colors and a lack of life.

Spring exploded and the world came to life, an amazing shade of green, so bright it seemed unnatural to our eyes more accustomed to the gray greens of the Australian continent. Then the apple trees and violets bloomed and the fragrance added to the perfection of the season. New life was everywhere, the songbirds began their chorus in search of mates, and the squirrels were busily running about to find food for their young. 

Summer here is hotter than I ever imagined it would be, bringing with it more wildflowers, the smell of fresh cut hay and pleasantly cool evenings.  The very best thing about summer are the wild blackberries and raspberries growing in abundance, they are a real treat during a break while doing the hard work of loading hay onto the wagon. The children love the long days and the opportunity they bring for splashing in the creek and camping out in their little tent.

Autumn holds many perfect days, the clear ones when the sun feels so warm and cozy as it casts it's rays upon your back while the lazy breezes blow their cool breaths into your face. Then to awaken to clouds and the ground wet from the storm who's loud voice had disturbed your sleep is just as pleasing, especially when the sun later emerges and everything looks clean and fresh.  Witnessing the children's excitement at Winter's approach, they watch intently the colorful signs that the landscape will soon be a beautiful white again, scanning the hills for yet another tree to don it's spectacular Autumn colors.

The days get shorter and cooler with Winter's approach and the world again becomes stark but soon Winter will spread her sparkling white blanket across the ground as the trees and animals sleep under the cover and her chilly breath will freeze the ground and ponds. To look out the window at the landscape painted with a fresh coat of white, while even more flakes drift down lazily from the sky; these days are so different, they are a time for catching up with indoor tasks, emails to friends and family and quiet moments for introspective thoughts. 

Now when Spring nears and the last snow melts I can see the beauty that I had not noticed when I first arrived, maybe I can see it now because I know that it was all a part of the magical cycle and soon there would be new life everywhere.

Back to the index.