Signs of Spring

This is the first year our flowering tree gave us more than a few blooms! It greeted us with hundreds of beautiful white blossoms when we came home from Mexico on Cinco de Mayo!

This sprig is from a bush or tree in Ryan's yard.  A prize for the first one who successfully identifies it for me!  We are not sure what it is, though we have a couple of ideas. I would love to buy one for my yard!

My geraniums overwinter in a slightly heated green house, so when I finally pull them out for the back deck, they are in full bloom.  Instant spring color :-)

Flower Moon

On our way home from the airport from our Mexico trip, the Cinco de Mayo moon happened to be the Super Flower Moon, the full moon that was bigger and brighter than any other moon this year. 

A Spring Snow Fall

We always do have spring snow falls, but this was pretty because the sun came out afterwards.  That is when it is okay by me to have a bit of snow past winter.....

This picture was taken way back in February on my way home from the baby shower for yet-to-be-born, Emerson. So whenever the full moon was in February, it was up during daylight hours!

Spring Ducklings

I received a phone call from the post office at 5 am Wednesday morning to come pick up my ducklings! This year I only ordered 4 fawn-colored Indian Runners, though they sent me 6 of them. It was a warm, sunny day on Saturday so I took them outside for a field day :-)

They were content to just run around near me thankfully, since two of our dogs were keeping a close eye on them.  

They even took turns pecking at my lips!  Too cute.... 

Exploring the Forget-Me-Nots 

Afterwards, they enjoyed a little playtime in the sink :-)

In Town

Awake, thou wintry earth -

Fling off thy sadness!

Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth

Your ancient gladness!

~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

My New Friend

I made a new friend with a gentle bumble bee today......

I asked him nicely if he'd come out and play!

Then I watched as he collected pollen, cute as can be.

Now it's time for a real poem about a

Bumble Bee

While Strolling Through the meadow

One fine and sunny day

I came upon a little Bumblebee

Along the way

He was dancing and jiving

He was as happy as could be

So I asked him what he was doing

He said "Can't you see?" "See what",

I said as he bounced

There on my knee

"I'm happy as a bumble bee",

That is what he said

As he tapped his little toes

And Bounced upon my nose

I'm going to be a father bee

Happy day's oh happy days

~Darryn John Murphy

Warming Up!

 On my way into town I noticed that the snow level was creeping up in elevation.  The nights are still quite nippy, but the days are reaching warmer temperatures.  The past few days we have seen numbers in the low 50's!

Ahhhh! Spring is on the Way!

,

First a howling blizzard woke us,

Then the rain came down to soak us,

And now, before the eye can focus,

Crocus!

~ Lilja Rogers

Hopeful.....

Here's hoping for an early (and lasting) springtime this year!  I am off to Florida for a bit with a friend, hoping to find a bit of warmth and sunshine to ease my soul.  Short of that, however, I will find joy in the presence of friends :-)

Day 17

Last one out, turn off the lights!

The Pasque Flower

So named because it blooms around the time of Easter (Passover). Everything is a bit late this year due to the exceptionally cold winter and spring. Everyday I find something new blooming in the yard! It is the state flower of South Dakota, growing wild over all the prairie.


It is highly toxic, slowing the heart. Excess can cause diarrhea, hypotension and even coma. DO NOT INGEST IT!!!

Flowers really do intoxicate me.

~Vita Sackville-West

Day 16

Guess these little guys don't want to leave their nest! This is day 16, the last day they are supposed to be homebodies! I think they don't want to leave their notoriety behind. After all, how many birds get to play the leading role on the Internet for 2+ weeks? I have no doubt the believe Terry is their mother, too!

Day 14

I was wrong.

Still 4 in the nest today.

So big.

So soft.

So cute.

So what?

Day 13

Beautiful!

I think the first one or two will leave the nest tomorrow. That poop has got to be wearing on them. Or more likely, they must be wearing the poop on them by now :o(

Day 12

All four birds are looking into the camera, entertained by the daily intrusion of our faithful photographer (Terry).......... and wondering when the heck their parents are going to clean up their disgusting poopy nest! And build on, while they are at it!

Move over, you BRAT! ~one little bird to his sibling

Day 11

Jeez Louise! They almost have all of their feathers!!! Anybody want to take bets on what day they leave the nest?!?! Today is day 11. They are supposed to fly the coop by days 14-16.

Day 10

I don't know about you, but hanging around in a crowded nest with my mouth in a pile of poop, isn't my idea of fun. It appears that the wing feathers have come in overnight. Only 4-6 days left before they leave the nest, so I expect the fluff to disappear quickly now, and be replaced with feathers over their entire bodies.

Bad hair day!

Viola Sempervirens

Also known as Redwood Violet and Evergreen Violet

Family Violet

Description Creeping Plant forming mats of thick leathery leaves, bright yellow flowers on short stalks.

Habitat Damp Woodland

Height Creeper, 5 inches

Flower Irregular with two symmetrical halves, 1/2 inch in diameter

Flowering April - June

Leaves Cordate, thick and leathery, finely-toothed and scalloped, 1/2 - 1 inch in width

I have only stumbled across a few patches of this variety of violet in our yard, but whenever it is blooming I am drawn to this delicate flower. It is indeed in the shadier, damper parts, though it seems to enjoy some filtered sunlight.

The splendor of the rose and the whitness of the lily do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm. If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its lovliness. ~ Therese of Lisieux

Day 9

Peek-A-Boo

Day 8