Spring Fever at the Hog Blog
Come, fill the Cup, and in the Fire of Spring
The Winter Garment of Repentance fling:
The Bird of Time has but a little way
To fly — and Lo! the Bird is on the Wing.From the Rubaiyyat of Omar Khayyam (Edward Fitzgerald Trans.)
Hell yeah! Pour a tall, cool drink and toss those winter clothes on the bonfire and let’s celebrate!
I know it’s officially been Spring for a couple of weeks now, but the last few days have really got the sap flowing (so to speak)!
In the spring, when a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love… (thank you, Lord Tennyson).
The meat from the recent TX trip is all butchered, my body has recovered from the 3400 mile road trip, and I got a chance to get out on horseback yesterday and enjoy a nice ride in the hills on a sunny day. My mare was feeling it too, and we charged briskly up the hills until we were both panting and drenched in sweat… then we meandered along the ridgelines, enjoying the incredible weather.
In the process, I had a chance to observe nature as it should be on a beautiful spring day… turkeys strutting and gobbling, fresh pig rooting on the southern slope of a high ridge, deer grazing the new green grass, and a young couple copulating on a sunny hillside.
Oh yes, I’m sure they never expected someone to come riding over that hidden hilltop. Who was more surprised? That’s hard to say, but I tried to steer as wide a berth as I could, so as not to disturb them. Even so, I felt bad as I watched the mad scramble for the nearest items of clothing. I really hated to interrupt a beautiful thing. I mean, seriously, what better use of a lovely afternoon, a sunny meadow, and the energy of the lengthening day? (Equestrian interruptus?) And no, you perverts, I took no pictures!
As the pagan fertility celebrations begin in earnest over the next few weeks with Maypoles, rabbits, eggs, and other such symbolism, have the longer days and warmer temps got your blood rising? Anyone else feeling that restlessness, that stirring that makes us want to get out and dig our hands into the dirt and make things grow… or to get out and wander the wildlands, drenched in the aromas of the new life blossoming from every tree, bush, and blade of grass?
It’s Spring Fever, and it hits me hard every year. I bet I’m not the only one.
It’s May, it’s May the lusty month of May…….. not yet but close!
Reading your story, now I suddenly feel the urge to pull out my old recording of “Camelot” with Julie Andrews singing that song.
This post put a smile on my face Phillip, a very much needed smile in these troubled times.
Thanks a million!
April 6th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaa.
There but for the grace of God…
April 6th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
And oh yeah, last time I busted a couple (in hip-deep water, on the lake where I kayak), they did not stop.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Glad to bring a grin, Michael!
Holly, I’m there with ya… ahh, to live those days again, though.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Too funny, keep ‘em cumming
SBW
April 7th, 2009 at 3:06 am
I know what you mean. I had my own “Spring is here” event up on the property over the weekend. The grasses and flowers are just starting to show their heads through the soil. The birds and other critters are coming back now that the snow is retreating. The springs are running, the ducks and geese are pairing up.
And Phillip, if you get a real strong urge for getting your hands in the soil, I have a couple pounds of bitterbrush seed that is ready to be planted.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:34 am
We had snow last night and today so no Spring fever for us yet. I’d like some though.
April 7th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
That is too funny, Phillip. I guess there is definitely more than one way to enjoy the outdoors.
As for your question, I definitely have been feeling it for quite awhile. We ventured out for an all day fishing trip yesterday, but I could hardly say it was due to spring fever, considering it never made it past 35 degrees.
I’m wishing we had weather that was even close to allowing us to sweat. I’m very envious.
April 8th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I don’t know how ya’ll do it in the great white north, Kristine and Arthur. But then, I be you appreciate it a whole lot more!
Dave, I’m pretty much ready to get back up there as soon as I get a weekend free… hopefully next month. Hell, maybe I’ll move up there!
April 8th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Phillip, you know the combination and you have the spare keys. Maybe I should offer you a “JOB” as caretaker……..
April 8th, 2009 at 4:07 pm