Capricious Spring

The month of March is 

marching to announce spring!

This post is about the nature of capricious spring.

The month of March is a time of transformation:

It's the indecisive time of year when the weather could be snow, sleet, wind, rain or sunshine, and the amazing phenomenon is it could all happen in the same day.

For one example, the following pictures taken in our back yard shows spring at work.

March 1, 2015 - March came in like a lamb.

March 3, 2015 -  Snow storm and chilly weather.

March 7, 2015 - Weather is palmy and beautiful.

It is the time of year when Mother Nature begins her magic as the trees begin manufacturing life giving sap into the tributaries within the trunk and branches.  The promise of leaves commences as the nubby buds form along the tree's nude arms like warts.  Yes, it's magic!

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's Party!"  (stated by the late Robin Williams)

 Well, lets have a PARTY and fly a kite.

      

Because of windy days, a favorite sport for the month of March is kite flying.  The adventure begins as you hold, in one hand, your well-chosen kite.  In the other hand, you hold a sturdy ball of twine. You stand erect and begin a gaited run, which is part of the sport, gaining increase speed as you travel along the ground. Then when a gut feeling says, "It's time to give the kite's frame a toss upward into the air" it is then you feel the exhilarating launch, the wind snatches your kite away, definitely an indisputable thrill.

You watch in awe as you feed greater amounts of twine to the colorful flier up in the atmosphere. The entertainment continues as you stand with watchful eyes and gently pull on the twine.  With this maneuver, you feel vibes from the twine as the kite gently dives downward, makes a circle, and lifts skyward again.  Oh, what an ecstasy to experience the command of the March wind.

Can you tell I have flown a good number of kites?

Try the fun filled sport of "Kite Flying" it is a terrific experience.

Also enjoy seeing indoor kite flying on - 

Indoor kite flying demo - You Tube

also

 Conner Doran indoor kite flying - You Tube

(Thanks to June Sivers for the You Tube suggestions)

 After your kite flying experience have yourself a cup of steaming hot chocolate 

and a slice of Everyday Irish Soda Bread, which will usher in the important date of March 17th.

                  Everyday Irish Soda Bread

3 cups of all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup unprocessed coarse wheat bran

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking power

1 2/3 cups buttermilk

Heat oven to 350'

Mix dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and pour in the buttermilk all at once and stir with a fork until all the liquid is absorbed and the mixture holds together.  It should resemble a rough biscuit dough.

Using hands press the dough into a round, bout 8 inches in diameter.  Lift the loaf from the mixing bowl, and transfer to a prepared baking sheet. Dust the top of the loaf with flour.  With a sharp knife, incise a cross, about 3/4 inch into the top of the loaf.  Put the loaf into the greased baking pan.

Bake 70 minutes rotating pan halfway through baking time, or until bread is deep golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let bread cool on a wire rack.  When ready, serve with butter, or add honey or jam if you would like.
     
The Irish soda bread spread with butter is extra good dipped in the hot chocolate.  

Until our next session,  

be good to yourself and know the Lord loves you.