Here in Vermont our two feet of snow is melting. What comes next is a season unique to us; fondly known as MUD SEASON

When the frozen earth finally thaws, the stronger Spring sun warming her up from the surface down but not yet all the way to the permafrost. Her bones still cold.

It is the season of abandoned car mufflers dotting dirt roads, of melting snow exposing the detritus of last year’s life.

The crocuses are up. Time to peruse seed catalogs and plan this year’s gardens. There’s hope in the air. I can smell it.

This song always comes to mind (sung to the tune of a traditional drinking song).

It is by the British duo Flanders and Swann. It is actually called “The Hippopotamus Song” and is a love song between two hippopotami. (what a great word!) Here are the lyrics:

Mud, mud, glorious mud,

Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood.

So follow me follow

Down to the hollow,

And there let us wallow in glorious mud.

And do forgive me, I couldn’t resist…This would have been better If I’d had a few beers in me first:

Mud is good for the skin. Animals love to roll in it to cool off and get rid of bugs. I’m starting to like it more and more even if I do live in a holler where the dirt road by my house gets so muddy as to be impassable this time of year.

So here are a few photos to get you in the mood:

But doesn’t it show the glories of mud?