March 2024 SOLC–Day 30
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Saturday, March 16th : Today we walked at Center Point Preserve, marveling that we could be out in the woods at this time of year. Usually the woodland shade preserves snow and ice until well into spring, making for treacherous going. Yet, there we were, easily hiking around and through puddles, muck and mud on a beautiful day in mid-March. There were plenty of other signs of the changing season, including vigorous eruptions of skunk cabbage and even a small eastern newt. Everything’s stirring! It’s both exciting and worrisome.
Thursday, March 21st: Dodged one today! There was only an inch or snow. It was enough to freshen up the scenery and prompt me to take the less scenic, safer drive to work, but not enough to interrupt a school day. With airline tickets booked to depart not long after the current last day, I’m voting (insanely and unusually!) for no more snow days.
Saturday, March 23rd: The forecasted snow has arrived, not in deep piles as we’d thought, but enough to make staying at home enjoyable. The birds are bombarding the feeders, and I could easily sit by the window watching the show all day. The goldfinches are transforming from drab olive to cheerful yellow, a sure sign that spring is on its way, despite the snow. A pileated woodpecker even came by to visit. They’re here year-round, but still a joy to hear and to see. I’m thankful this storm arrived on a Saturday!
Sunday, March 24th: Whoa! Overnight the world transformed to ice. When the wind blows it sounds like fairy bells are ringing. Everything glitters and shines. It’s stunning. Walking outside is treacherous as the snow has mixed with falling rain and ice to a concrete-density. Meandering in the yard, I have to stomp my heel in the ground to make a divot in the snow each time I step. Several times, I found myself sliding along with windmilling arms, trying to get a grip.
We lost power late last night and it looks like it may be out for days. I’m thankful for wood stoves and plenty of wood, town water, and a gas stove! Also, thankful for the timing of the storm. If it had hit during the school week, we would have been out for two days. That would have ratcheted up the tension on ending the school year and heading off on our trip! Phew!
Saturday, March 30th: The wind has finally died down after gusting crazily last night. I’m surprised we didn’t lose power again! After days of dreary skies, chill, and unrelenting rain (with the accompanying flooding of small rivers), we’re supposed to have a sunny weekend with temps in the high 40s and low 50s. Woot! Ironically, most of my plans (and very enjoyable ones they are!) involve being inside. Oh, well. I’m sure I can sneak in a walk or two.
Unfortunately, I looked at my phone this morning, and this is what I saw:
What?! March and April often have a hefty snowfall or two, but this one sounds pretty icky. I scan the article: “Maine could be in for the longest lasting weather event of the year so far…potential flooding..a lot of precipitation…heavy, plowable snow in a multi-day event…early predictions…as much as two feet in some parts of the state…no this isn’t an April Fools’ Day joke”
The storm is forecast to arrive mid-week and impact two days.
Uh oh.
When we scheduled our trip, I knew I was taking a gamble, but it definitely felt like the odds were in my favor. (And flights were so much cheaper if I booked for a bit earlier!) I promised myself I would not stress about potential snow days, but I can feel a little shiver of anxiety slivering in. Eek! Fingers crossed that this storm changes course and misses us. Once again, I’m wishing away a snow day. Or two.
I am not cut out to be a gambler, and I should know by now that Maine spring is anything but predictable. It’s always a bit of a ride.
Whiplash, anyone?
Nix the comfort zone 
I was loving all of the pictures until the last one. You captured so much beauty until the weather forecast! What a difference a couple hundred miles south makes, as CT has been all rain. Hoping your travel plans go as expected!
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The travel will happen, it’s just a matter of how stressed I’ll be leading up to it! lol
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Between the words and the fabulous pictures, I feel like I am living right there with you! We have also had our fair share of “winter March” and I also made a plan to travel this coming week (through PA) which may have to be delayed because of this April storm. Spring will definitely arrive, bringing summer along soon after! Hang in there!
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I hope your travel plans aren’t derailed. Usually, I’m fine with the changeable spring weather. It all feels like “just a stage.” lol This year my travel plans are making me a bit more anxious about how it all unfolds.
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I saw the same forecast photo circulating with the speculation of snow on ct next week too. This weather has been all over the place, as you’ve captured in words and photos. I feel like we’ve had so much more wind this year than I ever remember.
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Yes! The wind has been crazy. Yesterday there was such a ferocious gust that I found myself ducking…and I was inside!
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Oh no…not whiplash! I’m hoping the storm does not affect your snow days. As always, I enjoy your eye for art in your photos-making a walk along a mucky road look beautiful with the sky’s reflection in the puddle, weeds encased in ice that look like dripping diamonds, and the snow landing precariously on your brick walkway to imitate its pattern. Thanks for sharing your Diary of Spring.
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I’ve decided I’m okay with one snow day, but two would be problematic. Like I have any control over it! ha!
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Spring is fickle, even here down south. But we are settled for now. I hope you get off on your trip. I love how you wove in photos and words.
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The trip will happen, snow days or not. I just am a worrier by nature.
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I thought about Sue Monk Kid’s “A Country Year” as I read about your weather and enjoyed the way you chronicled the season. I have a cousin in Maine, and we chatted a while back about the need for snow, but now I’m stressed for your trip. I know this worry. I hope the storm does not ruin your plans.
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Thanks for the good travel wishes. Our trip will happen whether or not there are 2 snow days. As I commented to someone else, it’s just a matter of how stressed out I’ll be getting ready to go!
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Ah it’s so uncertain! With the trip it seems like a whole new stress level to the changing weather!
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Well, it is my fault for buying tickets that close to the end of the year…
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I can’t even imagine this kind of weather whiplash! It’s raining here today and the local mountains are getting snow (probably above 5000 ft), but it should be back in the mid 60’s and dry by Monday. I love the beauty that weather brings, but I do like the monotony of our local weather!
I love that you have a weather diary going! And I always love the photos that accompany your words!
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psst….I don’t really have a weather diary going! I just recapped some recent weather events retrospectively. I suppose my photos are a bit of a weather diary though…
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Molly, yes, I remember the fickle Iowa springtime when we would often get a snow day or two in April or May. I hope it works out perfectly for you to use your purchased tickets just as they are! I enjoyed reading the diary entries of your week.
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Thanks! I’m sure it will all work out just fine. I inherited a worry gene though and I have to exercise it somehow!
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[…] by Molly Hogan’s post, “Diary of a Maine Spring,” I am finishing the Slice of Life March Challenge with a diary of a sunset paddle on the […]
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I hope that northeaster – skips you in Maine completely. That is not fair. Let SPRING arrive!
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