by
Jean Hughes
March 18, 1996

New Year! New Year! the birds are caroling. Let the calendar makers start their year in January, but in the hills the real new beginning comes on that day in March when the buds on the soft Maple trees open to a bright red, the first honey bee comes buzzing through the air, trilliums nod on the hillsides and spring is ready to sock us in the eye.

It is time for sassafras tea and windowsills full of boxes of soil waiting for the little miracle makers of nature, the seeds, to sprout into plants that will fill our hearts and our stomachs with the goodness and beauty of summer.

During the first spring days, the scent of the fresh earth, the lightness of the wind, and the softness of the sunshine make it easy to be happy. It takes no effort to find joy and to revel in the luxury that has no costs and no requirements, the luxury that is there every day for everyone, young or old, rich or poor -- the simple and glorious luxury of enjoying life.

Mix together: 1 egg, 2 T. oil and 1 1/2 cups buttermilk.
Add: 1 pkt. yeast, dissolved in 2 T. very warm water.
Mix together and stir in: 1 1/2 cups white corn meal, 1/2 t. baking soda,
1 t. salt and 2 T. sugar.
Pour into 12 greased muffin cups. 
Bake at 425o for 15 to 20 minutes.

Mules kick up their heels and race around the pasture. Flocks of birds do ballets in the air. Pigeons build nests in the barn. A doe strolls through the field with her last year's fawn trailing behind. Cardinals flash solid red and heart-pink doves' breasts glow. Five big flocks of geese fly over within one hour.

In the woods, green leaves of mustard, dandelion and clover peek out. I chew on tender green garlic that tastes as sweet as candy. The freshet streams run swiftly. Every slight incline is a waterfall.

Today, there are many things my heart feels that my mind knows nothing of. I feel a serenity that comes from direct contact with the earth, and then a wild excitement. The beautiful winter, the blithe winter, is over. The tantalizing season is here.

Winter, don't you know you're through? Can't you feel there's something new?
Can't you see that your late snow falls on hills where wildflowers grow?
Stop, and weave a snow cocoon, now that hillsides leaf and bloom.
Sleep, and rest your cold, cold bones, while I dance to warmer tones.
Can't you see the fresh-blue sky? Hear that vernal lullaby?
Don't you hear the soft wind song? Go to sleep, where you belong.
Listen to the wild goose calls. Listen to the waterfalls. 
Can't you hear the bird songs ring? Can't you hear the water sing
Through the hollows every day? Winter, won't you dream away?
You're a summertime recluse. Now's your chance for a long snooze.
Come on, Winter, summerize. Hibernate and close your eyes.
Can't you see the time is green? Take your white and leave the scene.
If you stay this season's stunted. Don't stay where you are not wanted.
Can't you see that life is sappy, and the earth is sunshine-happy?
Wrap your sturdy heart in sleet. Wrap the snow around your feet.
Now's the time to take a nap. Melt into earth's tender trap.
Leave a sign so I'll remember: Do Not Disturb Until December.
Go to sleep. You've had your fling. I love you, Winter, but its SPRING! 

Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book ordered. Order from...

Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe St.
Delphi, Indiana 46923