It was an easy February here on the coast of Maine. Except for a short string of cold days, it was mild. We had about three snow storms and even those were timid and more decorative than disruptive.
The big municipal plows kept the streets plowed and the local home-based plows kept the driveways and country lanes clear.
We had many sunny days. The white fields were made even brighter and smoother-looking in full sunshine and clear blue skies. Wild blueberry plants peeked up through the white snow like spilled wine and children laughed and screamed as they went fast down slick hills on sleds and disks.
New England “connected” and early “four-square”-like houses stood proud in the snow and cold that they were designed to withstand.
That’s not to say that every day was perfect this February. We had a few hard rains and sleeting storms that were not pleasant if you were out-of-doors. However, the rains did help clear snow.
The rains did an especially good job of clearing off lobster traps that were stored for the winter. Most of the lobster boats that remained in the water were reconfigured for scallop fishing. Aft of the cabin, a mast and boom were added to drag and hoist a dredge net. Usually, a “shelling hut” was added there, as well. The delicious mollusks could be shucked in the hut with some protection from the cold winter sea winds.
The wildlife that enjoyed the mild month the most seemed to be the white-tailed deer, which picked over our garden with the expertise of gourmands; the wild turkeys, which loved to sprint across the icy road right in front of your car to see if you could skid, and the hundreds of common eider ducks that spend their winter vacations going for joy rides in the Blue Hill Falls fast water.
This February had its somber aspects. U.S. deaths from the Covid 19 plague exceeded 500,000 during the month. Per order of the Governor, the State and National flags in front of the Brooklin Town Offices were lowered to half mast in honor of the victims. Per order of President Biden, the flag at our Post Office also was lowered. On the other end of the emotional spectrum, February 14 was Valentine’s Day; a beautiful bouquet arrived at our house for a beautiful lady.
February’s full moon is named the Snow Moon for reasons that should not have to be explained. It was raining when the official full moon rose on February 27. However, February 25 was as clear as a day can be. A virtually full moon rose in the afternoon of that day and was illuminated by the low light of the setting sun.
(All images here were taken in Down East Maine during February of 2021.)