Some people, I understand, love winter. I personally don’t get that. I spend the winter bundled in layers of unattractive clothing or huddled next to the fire. It’s depressing.
So the warmer temperatures of spring make me downright gleeful. And here in Kansas, spring has arrived. Yay! It’s a perfect time for a stroll through the woods.
In the big picture, tender green shoots poke up through last year’s leaf fall, yet the woods don’t look particularly spring-like yet.
But look more closely, and signs of new growth, new beginnings are everywhere.
In redbud tree buds wrapped in water droplets on a rainy morning.
And bursting open a few days later.
In new leaves and flower bud clusters.
In the first dandelion of the season.
And bejeweled spider webs as fog lifts.
I’m still waiting for my favorite sign of spring (shown here in a photo from a few years ago):
These miniature irises—I’ve always called them “baby irises”—came from my Great-Grandma Ida’s yard. For three decades, every time I’ve moved, some of them moved with me. They’re always the first flowers to bloom in my yard, eagerly awaited. The leaves made their appearance last week, and the flowers shouldn’t be far behind.
It's so beautiful! The Cherry Trees are blooming in D. C. Our TV news-anchors' backdrop showed an aerial shot of the blossoms. Gorgeous! Although Hatteras doesn't have as many flowering trees, which I will miss--I won't miss the pollen. I'm sneezing my head off these days. Wish it weren't so because I love the colors of spring. Thanks for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures. Spring is well along in Georgia. I'm lucky because I experience it three times: first in Georgia, second as we travel north, and third when it (eventually) reaches the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where we summer.
ReplyDelete~ Jim
Wonderful pictures!
ReplyDeleteI have some of the tiny irises, too. They have bloomed, and we've moved on.
We have a utility cut that runs along our property near the road. Over the years, I've planted several hundred daffodils of various types along there. This time of year, we get lots more traffic than usual! I think people are driving a bit out of their way to see them.
beautiful photos! In Cincinnati, the pear trees are bursting into bloom, white Q-tips in the brown landscape. Daffodils and forsythia, one of nature's bouquets. And the maple trees are in full red blossom against the blue sky.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everyone! Mother Nature is laughing at me today - I woke up to the prettiest snow we've had all year. Big, wet flakes. I wrapped myself in a blanket and took my tea on the porch to watch and listen as it fell. Beautiful, but I still prefer spring flowers and warmer temps!
ReplyDeleteKM - Your daffodil display sounds wonderful. I would drive out of my way to see it (if I lived closer)!
Margaret - "white Q-tips in a brown landscape" - what a lovely expression!
Jim - Experiencing spring three times! Sounds like you plan your life right!
EB - I am so fortunate not to have allergies. I feel for those of you who do.
Lovely, pictures, Julie. You must be much further south than I am in N.E. Ohio because only now are the daffodils coming out and a few other things. No signs of leaves on the trees yet.The tulip leaves and daylily sprouts, too, but the tulips won't be blooming for some weeks and the daylilies not until July. I do have the minature irises, too, as well as the full size ones, but they won't be blooming for at least a month or more.
ReplyDeleteAs for winter, I tend to focus on the up side, and that's that I have more time to write with less outside work. For the most part, I'm still able to get out for my daily walks in the woods unless it's below 15 degrees or raining. We've had a rather mild winter and my driveway only needed plowed once, and I probably could have gotten out even without it being plowed.