Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Sunshine never felt so sweet


My way to the University from home

As I slipped and sloshed on my way to work yesterday, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures up of what was a gorgeous, sunny day. Spring is apparently on its way to the Baltics, even if it creeps "üks mikromillimeeter päevas..." or one micro-millimeter per day, as a friend of mine says.

There was a lot of evidence today: during my run today I heard birds chirping and saw several people sitting outside just soaking up the sun in the pose of sunflower -- eyes closed, face oriented directly at the sun to capture those sweet rays of spring time. A student in my morning class was wearing sneakers (no boots!) without socks. It's very possible that he may not have had clean socks to wear; however, I also felt on the verge of breaking out sandals at the balmy 37 degree weather. As we come nearer to the spring solstice, the days are elongated. Sunshine streams in my bedroom window before 7:00 a.m., and I noticed on my way home that it was still light after 6:00 p.m.

Today, my down coat was a bit too heavy, and, as I was walking to meet a friend for coffee in the afternoon, I had the fleeting notion that it would be heavenly to sit at an outdoor cafe! This is what above-freezing temperature on a sunny day does to you when winter has gone on just a little too long.

Here are some pictures for illustration and your entertainment. I am not exactly sure when all of this is going to melt. I can hardly wait for those tulip and daffodil bulbs I planted last fall to peak their pretty sprouts out of the ground. However, I am grateful for a nice day, melting snow, and a glimmer of hope that spring has decided to make its way here, micro-millimeter by micro-millimeter.

These are ruts in the ice (the road is somewhere far, far underneath these layers)

Notice the high snow barriers on the side of the streets made of solidly packed snow and ice.

The treacherous icy path down Lossi Street in the center of town

Consider yourself lucky if you manage to slide down without a twist or fall. I can't wait until we have traction again!

Someone started to pick away at the ice near the bottom of the hill -- uff! Look at the ice layer.


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