So, It’s Spring In The Northlands

     

In the area underfoot, daffodils tend to grow and bloom as spring is about to start.  It is usually before the actual start of spring by some days.  Then, frequently, it gets a bit colder (like freezing) and rainy.  The flowers usually get beaten down.  It’s always so sad seeing that.  It does happen that they aren’t completely gone, which is nice. 

At the place underfoot, there is a drop of an entire floor near the main doors, maybe ten feet away, a basement entry for staff.  Several items sit in the space, a tree as well the daffodils; they are hard to miss.  At The House in the City they were just a small clump near the quince bush for more than thirty years basking in afternoon spring sun. 

The ones at the “current house” are not a bright yellow as those of the past were and are in an out of the way shaded spot, but they still bring a fond smile and happy thoughts when considered.  If they, too, last a generation and more doing nothing but quietly living as possible, they will be another everyday sign of the marvelousness of creation.   

There are negative connotations with that family of plants along with positive ones.  And, there are many “signs that spring is here” including other blooming.  Much is made of some of it.  Well, at both places mentioned, the daffodils were planted by someone else.  So, people long gone left a message for those who came by later:  new life is here. 

Odd things can make a house a home. 

“The Rust Belt” You Say?

     

Although not precisely the same thing, what today is named “The Rust Belt” is pretty much what more properly would be called “The Great Lakes Region.” In days long past, it was the industrial heartland of the United States.  Because of the lakes, it’s a special place on earth apart from recent industrial history and invention developed thereabouts. 

The oldest of today’s people lived through a sort of glory era that started ending after World War II.  With it, many people kept hoping things would get better but life, times and the world changes things.  It is pretty clear that the factory jobs that brought the mountain folks and Europeans (in earlier days) are gone.  Today hopes are different. 

While it is true that “end of an era” if one wants to call that such caused many people (and businesses, too) to find homes elsewhere, millions of people still live in the Rust Belt.  For many, for various reasons, it wasn’t practical, sensible or reasonable to leave.  They look to things like new ideas, restorations and renovations.  Some is good. 

Technology (inventiveness) may be centered elsewhere these days, but it is still a little too soon to “write off” the Great Lakes area and the surrounding region.  There’s some effort and there are young people still there.  It will be different from the past.  And, it would be good if it were called “The Great Lakes Region” (or something similar). 

One must think positive to do something.