Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 21 : Summer 2014 | Page 63

LONG ROAD TO Summer By Sandra Voisine - PHN Here it comes, the much anticipated signs of summer pushing spring into our midst like a slow moving locomotive going uphill. After months of shoveling and snowblowing icy walkways, of plowing snow covered roads and driveways, the season is beginning to change. What started as a slow trickle of melting snow, turned into a rush of flowing water filling the ponds and rivers, lakes and streams, some of which overflowed their banks. Then suddenly, spring arrives and the long road to summer begins. out of the cold ground. Trees begin to bud and the grass turns green. Life renews itself and nature bursts forth in all its glory to welcome summer. Animals and insects thrive in the warming weather. Domestic animals and wild animals give birth and the cycle of life continues. Moose and deer venture out of the woods to the fields turning green to eat their fill of the newly sprouted grass. Our countryside is a nature lovers paradise. As the scenery changes, the hills and valleys grow lush with vegetation. Birds of all types return to spend the summer months among us bringing glorious song and color to our backyards and fields. Professional and amateur photography abounds in this wonderland of beauty. But don’t put away your shovels just yet. The sounds of spring in Aroostook County includes the scraping of shovels along the sides of the road where power brooms and rakes have pushed salt, sand, dead grass and gravel to be scooped up into wheelbarrows to be carted off. The Maine’s state motto is “Vacationland” and here in Aroostook County we have last dregs of winter slowly fades. learned to experience nature at its worst Maine has a reputation for very cold and at its best. To go from the drudgery weather, long months of winter, lots of of endless shoveling and plowing of snow snow, and an abundance of black flies to the warm days of summer, makes and mosquitoes. Our large area of forests us appreciate summer even more. No and multiple waterways create a breeding longer confined by the cold and snow, ground for many insects, one of which people can enjoy the great outdoors. The is commonly nicknamed the “Moose- summer road leads to backyard barbecues quito.” Through the long harsh winter and neighborhood ballgames, to fishing months, bears hibernate, moose and deer and kayaking. It is a time for family and gather in herds in “yards” to wait out friends to gather for picnics and local the cold and insects burrow in any small parades, for high school reunions and crevice they can find; like the bark of trees, the renewal of old friendships. We have a quality of life in our area some never get underground or in tree stumps. to experience. The long road to summer It seems to take forever, but the seasons leads here. quickly change and the landscape comes alive. Daffodils, hyacinth and tulips push SUMMER 2014 61