"There is always in February some one day, at least, when one smells the yet distant, but surely coming summer."
― Gertrude Jekyll
Our snow is melting quickly and with sustained temperatures above freezing this week we're sure to lose a lot more of it, perhaps all of it. On warm late winter days the air is filled with a certain identifiable smell ... whatever that spring smell is. So, what's all in that thawing smell? It might seem kind of gross, but it's a mix of organic splendor from mineralization of bacteria, dead insects, frozen worms, decaying plant material, and more. This cocktail of aromas is augmented by the natural odors of geosmin (earthly decay) and sometimes petrichor (scent of rain).
I was surprised to hear Sandhill Cranes bugling loudly from the center of the marsh at Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Typically, I don't expect them until late February, but the weather has been so nice, and it's going to stay that way for awhile. This is only the beginning, and birders everywhere are excited for spring migration ... even The Reliables.
The Sandhills were my only first-of-year birds, but other aves decorated the woods and prairies. There were many Dark-eyed Juncos, some even singing their spring trills. Numerous Northern Cardinal songs contributed to the afternoon choir. Other birds included American Robins, American Goldfinches, Black-capped Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatches, Tufted Titmouse, Downy, Hairy, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Horned Larks, White-throated Sparrows, American Tree Sparrows, a single Swamp Sparrow, Bald Eagle, and other expected winter residents.
It was a good hike in great weather, getting in a total of 9,250 steps according to my Suunto Traverse.
Saturday Guitar Project: Though Saturday's weather was equally nice, I slept most of the day to help recover from my cold. When I woke up late afternoon, I decided to install recently purchased replacement parts for my 1995 American Standard Stratocaster. I switched out the original tuning machines with Fender's Deluxe Locking ones, new white pickguard, control knobs, selector switch, and tremolo arm. When I got the old pickguard off, I saw the original pickup screw tubing had rotted away (replaced). Also, the pot tops needed to be opened up a little so that the knobs wouldn't slip. Naturally, while the guitar was apart I cleaned up the neck, lightly oiled it, thoroughly cleaned the body. The neck has minor fret wear, but it's fine for now. And of course, new strings!
A fun short-term project to spiff up an old friend.
Just look how gorgeous the business part of this Stratocaster is ...
All images © 2023 Mike McDowell