Daydreams of Spring

photo by Kathy Street/Oregon Zoo

The Oregon Zoo's winter-predicting hedgehog FuFu, failed to see her shadow on Groundhog's Day this month, predicting that here in the Pacific Northwest, an early spring may be just around the corner.

Animal curator Tanya Paul, says "according to folklore, the Europeans (who originated the tradition), used hedgehogs.  When they immigrated to the United States, they realized their new home didn't have hedgehogs, so they turned to the groundhog out of necessity, but FuFu is bringing the tradition back to its origins, and with a higher accuracy rate." 

Let's hope Fufu ain't foolin'.  But even if she does get it wrong, look at that face!  I don't think I could stay mad at her for more than a nano-second.   After more record-breaking rain this week and too many (stinky) visits from a skunk, driven from it's flooded blackberry bramble bunker, we finally, thankfully, have a little sunshine today--and it's a sight for sore eyes let me tell you.  It's beyond wonderful to open the back door.  I've been burning incense to cover the horrid "skunk a la pew" but nothing cleanses like fresh air after a rain.  Ahh.  I think I may survive after all.  A little taste of spring is like a spoonful of honey right now.  I hope you get to see your shadow, and taste spring (soon) where ever you are.

Daydreams of Spring

In the meantime, while we wait for spring, I'm still working on these little darlings.  My NEW handmade collectible art dolls--coming soon! 

Comments

[Carol DeLater]

We are having a mild winter in Northern Indiana. My bluebirds are already scoping out which house they will battle the sparrows for. I'm daydreaming of Spring too!!
xx, Carol

[Mrs.T]

Snowing nonstop here in New Hampshire!

[Irene True]

Hi. I was wondering how I could find out more about your scotty dog pattern, old dog, new trick?

I purchased the Eleanor Burns book, Victory Quilts, but the scotty dogs are not quite the same.

I like the look of your dog's ear and tail with the curves, and I would like to know if there is a way to get the template from you.

Please let me know.

Thanks.