Frogs dawn a new Season

Been on this beautiful, but slowly decaying, planet for 47 years. Not exactly I know, but my last birthday was that number. Let’s forget the first ten, leaving 37 or so years I am able to dip into my memory bank and recall. That’s 36 springs. So how come, when I was running the other lunchtime I was – yet again – surprised and delighted to hear the sounds of frogs, croaking their happy voice in some sort of unison, singing to the tune of spring? Spring is an amazing time of year, with Mother Earth bursting to life. But the frogs bowled me over – I stopped running, when I first heard the cacophony, wondering what it was I was hearing. Locked inside my truck, I would have missed natures call – everyone would have. Running, once again, opens your ears and eyes to your local surrounding. Love it.

I’m running well at the moment, for no apparent reason. I’m not training particularly hard, but each time I go out, I seem to be able to push myself a bit harder. A bit further. Life yet in the old body eh? Natasha and I ran our first running race of 2012 a few weeks back. Granted the field was not a particularly high standard, but it was an open race, sponsored by North Face outdoor gear, and part of a 6 race Grand Prix. I crossed the line in 7^th overall, and Natasha 9^th in the woman’s class. Chuffed to bits we both were. We are wanting to run the whole series, which will be tough, but it’s something to aim for and we will give it our best shot.

‘Timitus’ struck big time two weekends back, when the newly purchased snow mobile packed in on its first outing, some 20km up a logging road. Fantastic skiing, the dogs in snow heaven, but reminded me – and others to their amusement – that I have this special way with all things mechanical that if it will go wrong, then it will when Tim owns it. I duly returned the machine to the dealer, who of course found nothing wrong with it. But the ‘crowing turd in the trifle’ (©Hugh Ellis) was on asking the mechanic to give me a quick idiot’s guide to snowmobile maintenance, he proudly showed me where the oil went, only to discover that was running dry. And they had just serviced it! Oh yeah, right.

My sister turned up trumps the other day. She pulled together a meeting of minds – my mum and her sister. Not seen each other for years, both aging, my Auntie in care home, my mother fiercely independent and proud. Perhaps they met for the last time? Must have been great to witness. Thanks Claire!

I have tried something new this past three months. I was successful in my application to for a reception post at the local veterinary practice. The trouble was that I have had zero training and background and I found it nigh impossible to learn the lingo, the ways and wherefores of veterinariasm (??). Enjoyable experience though, and no regrets for treading this path. But good job I kept my former employer, Colin, on my Christmas card list…..

Things to look forward to? More bees on their way, all four hives having survived our long snowy winter. Matthew, my nephew, comes out to visit in May. Peter and Lynne, long time friends and mentors, visit in July. B&B bookings trickling in.

Life is varied. Life is good. As I said to Peter the other day – don’t reduce. Modify.