The Warming of Spring, Ticks and 10 Years of Surf Columns

I stepped outside my home early this morning to retrieve the Sunday paper, and it actually felt like Spring. In fact, I am going to go out on a limb and proclaim, that winter is officially behind us. It is over. I mean here on the Seacoast. Done. Kaput.

There are still hints of snow in certain shaded areas in and around our community, but, it's over. Another winter has come and gone. And I am ok with that. I have many friends who love the winter. It is hands down their most favorite time of year. That would not be me. I like winter. I just don't love winter.

My favorite time of year is Fall. No question. That's my season.

The colors, the surf, the scents, the hint of chill in the air, with the waning warmer days and nights, slowly slipping away, to once again lay dormant, until Autumn comes again.

I do like Spring. And I do like Summer.

The problem with Spring is, the bugs. And I am talking about the nasty bugs. Ticks in general come back to life. Wait.. . I have seen ticks in the dead of winter. It's true. I have always owned sporting dogs. To be more specific. Pointers. I love my German Short Hairs. And well, you need to run them in the places where they shine. And for most good pointers, that would be the woods and fields. Where the wild game birds are.

And that my friends, is where the Tick also shines.

You know, for all the complaining I do about Ticks each year (and my cohorts who join me every fall will attest I do bitch about Ticks) I also admire them. It's true. Their sheer tenacity to survive harsh New England winters is noteworthy. It's like fighting an enemy who is both cunning and tenacious.

I take my hat off to the Tick. But I also crush the life out of them when I find them. Because they can mess you up big time. For instance, Lyme Disease is awful. Just terrible. Those little buggers can cripple a full grown human being. Seriously, Lyme disease can ruin your life.

I have no regrets in killing Ticks. They are as nasty an insect as there ever was. Except for maybe, the Greenheads in the summer. I call Greenheads "Satan's Little Helpers".

And quite frankly, that my friends, is a blog for another time.

[Second photo] One year ago today I took this photo in my yard. There's
nothing even close to this out there right now. Maybe by next weekend we'll be seeing the Spring Flowers. But right now? Those buds are still in hiding. But they're coming. We all know that.

I have to admit the surf has been pretty consistent as of late.

And if you were around on April Fools day night you would of seen the most breathtaking array of colors and surf. I shot a whole gallery of such images. I hope you take the time to look at a few. I came back from that photo shoot feeling so good. It's funny how a simple nature experience can change your mood.

I am not a big fan of April Fools Day. I just think it's silly.

Wait, that sounds like a contradiction. It is silly. It's supposed to be silly. I have some dear friends who used to say "April Fools is my favorite holiday!" And I would be like "Really? I don't really think of April Fools Day as being a holiday. Not like the big three. Thanksgiving. Christmas. Easter...etc" but I guess some do.
I'm just personally Not into the silly practical jokes.

And speaking of jokes...next week is our 10th Year Anniversary.
Can you believe that? I started this blog on April 14th, 2004. Now here we are 10 years later...still blogging. Still snapping pics.
Still posting video clips. All in the good name of surfing in New England. Who would of thunk it? Certainly not me. But I'm running with it. Until I can't blog anymore. Ten years.

Started on April 14th, 2004...next week is our 10th year!