There is only now.
An open window
a fresh breeze
to welcome
this bright and beautiful
April day.
– J. Kelland Perry
There is only now …
Category: Nature
Sunday Snaps: April Evening on Perry’s Point
As I have mentioned on my blog before, spring takes its own sweet time to show its face on the island of Newfoundland. The arrival is gradual, just as it is on most northern coastlines, with cold temperatures accompanied by the odd snowfall or sleet storm.
I love the anticipation of warmer days ahead. And there are still some lovely moments, particularly when the wind is light, the water is calm, and the sun begins to set. These photos were taken on the peaceful evening of April 2nd, and since then most of the snow and ice has disappeared.
Another reason I love spring here on Perry’s Point: the pleasure to witness the renewal of nature by observing our seabirds. Two weeks ago, it started—the sudden appearance of seagulls and other salt water birds pairing off to mate. Everyday, we now see them huddled—and even cuddled!—together on rocks and small islets off the point, or gliding through the water side by side: herring gulls, saddlebacks, black ducks, and pintails.
Seagulls squeal a spring duet
swim in pairs around ice and rock
glide as swans in graceful tandem
hush broken by caw and squawk *
*excerpt from Seagull Spring by J. Kelland Perry, April 2015
“April is the gateway to the joys of summer.” ― Fennel Hudson
“Oh, the lovely fickleness of an April day!” – W. H. Gibson
Sunday Snaps: Nature’s Silhouettes
There is something so beautiful about sunsets. Perhaps it’s the natural silhouettes they create.
Newtown Branch Sunset
Summer Sunset on Perry’s Point
Winter Dusk on Perry’s Point
Summer Crescent Moon on Perry’s Point
This is the only one not from Newtown, but it is in Newfoundland: Garden Cove Trail just south of Swift Current.
All photos are my own.
Ragtag Daily Prompt: Silhouette
Vivian’s View From Here: Weekend Blizzard*
When I came across this post of mine from EXACTLY ten years ago to the day, I couldn’t resist a reblog. I know many of you are sick of winter about now, but I thought Vivian and Maisie might brighten your day a little. And there’s another reason. We still miss these two so much, it brightens our day as well.
Hey, everyone, I’m back!! 
Vivian K. Perry here, to tell you all about the
snowstorm forecast for most of the island of Newfoundland tonight and tomorrow.
We’re well acquainted with winter storms in this neck of the woods, but I think we are in for a mother of a blizzard this time, with 30 to 50 centimeters and high winds promised for central, and for us, before it’s all over!
Here are Maisie and I, first this morning, and second, how we will weather the storm:
Besides all of this, there is still work to be done. Please watch this little video clip below of me in Paul’s office. He puts me in a bed on top of his printer when I get lonely for his company. Be sure to turn up your volume so you can hear me purr.
Stay warm and see you all next time after we dig out!
*First posted January 29, 2016
My Shrinking Island: Could This Actually Happen?
While I was writing my novel The Women of Wild Cove, I visualized what my beloved island of Newfoundland would look like in the year 2203. Following the science of sea level rise—due to melting glaciers, ice sheets, and the thermal expansion of water—I imagined it would appear something like this.
My husband Paul drew the map for me. I wanted it to show the renaming of some communities, and where my fictional Wild Cove is located (there are two other actual Wild Coves in the province). But more importantly, I wanted to show how this large island had shrunk from over 40,000 square miles to nearly half that, with peninsulas reduced to archipelagos, tiny islands and shoals. (By the way, Red Indian Lake had a name change after this map was made. It was changed to Beothuk Lake.)
A friend wondered to me why sea level is rising while many lakes are now showing lower levels. So I asked Google: “Yes, you can have sea level rise and low water levels in lakes simultaneously, because they are different phenomena influenced by different, though sometimes connected, factors. Sea levels are rising globally due to climate change, while individual lake levels fluctuate based on local factors like precipitation, evaporation, snowmelt, and water usage, and can also be impacted indirectly by rising sea levels.”
And of course, science tells us sea level rise is due to human activity.
Have you noticed changes in water levels in your neck of the woods? Do you think there is any possibility of a reversal at this point?
Sunday Snaps: My Neighbourhood*
“Through the farm” is a shortcut path here in Newtown that has existed, perhaps, since the village was first settled. It is no longer a farm, but I love to start my walks through there because it is so peaceful.
Granted, these are not your average neighbourhood photos, but I enjoy taking in the view of some homes on Perry’s Point along the way.
I hope you are enjoying a peaceful Sunday too, friends. ☀️
February “Blues”
Every February seems to try my patience. In spite of the beautiful blues these photos depict, the shortest month always feels like the longest to me.
Speaking of patience, I’ve always loved this poet’s pen name, as well as her positive sentiment here:
While it is February, one can taste the full joys of anticipation. Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch. ~ Patience Strong (Winifred Emma May)
To my friends and followers in the northern climes—do you find this month as long and bleak as I do? And we’re only ten days in. Brrrr!
Evergreen Post: Evening Sky in Autumn*
With all of the rain, drizzle and fog November has given us here in Newfoundland, our beautiful sunsets have been practically nonexistent.
I so miss the vibrant colours! Does dreary weather affect your mood?
“There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky.”
– Percy Bysshe Shelley
*Originally posted here in November 2018
Evergreen Post: A Thankful Heart
“The unthankful heart
discovers no mercies;
but the thankful heart
will find, in every hour,
some heavenly blessings.”
– Henry Ward Beecher
“I’m grateful for always
this moment, the now,
no matter what form it takes.”
– Eckhart Tolle
Happy Sunday, all,
and Happy Thanksgiving
to my Canadian friends and followers!
♥♥♥
A Look Back on the “Dog Days of Summer”
Dog Days of Summer, according to Websters Dictionary: “the hot and humid period of summer between early July and early September.”
Dog Days of Summer, according to me: having my canine friends come to visit!
First up, SOPHIE RAE!
In July, Sophie came to Newtown for the first time with my son and his fiancée. She is a white golden retriever, is the youngest of our doggies, and just so happens to be turning two today. Happy Birthday, pretty girl!
She had lots of fun exploring Perry’s Point, and even went to Bennett Island with us via the sandbar.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Our next visitors were my daughter and her family in August, and of course they brought ARCHIE!
Archie is six years old, and has visited us before. He beat himself out every day running around the Point, and also went on the sandbar to Bennett Island with us.
He was particularly obsessed with this “ball” while he was here:
Archie always loves to come see us.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
My sister and her husband were our third visitors. They spent Labour Day weekend with us, with Abbey and Jaxon in tow!
Jaxon is twelve:
…and dear little Abbey is sixteen!
These dogs are more laid back, as you may guess.
But they did go on an adventure to Windmill Bight Park in Lumsden with us, to enjoy some fun in the sun and sand.
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Even though everyone knows I’m a cat person first and foremost, I do love and enjoy being around any animal. Thanks so much for making the trip, my loved ones and your pooches! 💕🐾❤️
Jennifer's Journal 