It has warmed and we’ve opened our bedroom windows to let in fresh air. The birds begin singing as dawn begins before the sun rises. As the sun breaks the horizon, the birds songs lesson. The rumble of the trains through the night is now heard. The sounds of the brush on the pavement with the suction of the vacuum announce the street cleaner. It has been going almost round the clock removing the sand, leaves and dust from the curbs of the streets. Lawns and boulevards continue to have their winter brown
Robins, Grackles are back and foraging for nest materials. Swans, loons, and Canada geese have returned. Already, some goslings have hatched.
Dirt, grime, last years leaves, and litter fill our yards. The clean-up finally began as the last of the snow in our yards disappeared last weekend. It took us two full days to rake and bag leaves and yard waste. The heat of the day broke through a new year high. Short sleeve t-shirts, flip-flops and shorts appeared instantly.
Lawns and boulevards continue to have their winter brown. Green grass is beginning to poke through the brown mat. My Day-Lilys jumped 15 centimeters overnight. Their bright spring green gives hope to the year. Ice continues to lock up Rainy Lake. The leaf buds on trees are beginning to swell.
The smells of hamburgers and meat on barbecues floated on the air through the weekend.
Across the street, the sounds of a roof nailer announced a new roof on a home. The throaty roar of motorcycles going up and down Second Street mark the beginning of the biking season. New bikes with flashy colors are being shown off by the youngsters in the neighborhoods.
The rains in April and now May are worrying farmers and those living in low areas. The rains of Saturday night and Sunday along with forecasted rains for this week are impacting the region. Flood warnings have been issued by the Ministry of Natural resources as the IJC Rainy Lake curve is imitating the rising levels of Rainy Lake in 1950, 2002 and 2014. All three years saw record water levels and flooding with the 1950 year flooding parts of Fort Frances. Much will depend on what rainfall we receive in the next 45 days in the region as the winter snow keeps melting filling creeks, rivers and lakes across the district and impacting Rainy Lake.
Hope is everywhere. Masks have been removed. Spring has arrived.
Former Publisher
Fort Frances TImes
