Budding Spring

 

We've returned to seasonable weather, but we're still advancing toward full spring. Last summer we planted an ornamental pear tree in the back yard, and this week it's in bloom. I'm enjoying its petite, white flowers which attract bees and butterflies in surprising numbers. The early warm, dry weather encouraged us to plant some peas and they're already up. I'm looking forward to shirtsleeve weather with great anticipation but for now will take the bare limbs and barely-there green shown by the trees.

Weird Warm Weather

This week, we've had a spell of unusually warm March weather. With temperatures in the 70s for several days, it goes without saying that the snow is gone and spring is here. This is crazy-early, though, for this kind of warmth and everyone is enjoying it with a waiting-for-the-other-shoe kind of foreboding.

The crocuses are in full bloom and the tulips seem to gain an inch a day. We've begun to clear out the winter mess from the flower beds and the lilacs have buds. If we get snow again, and you've got to admit it's likely, it's going to hurt.

October Snow

We got our first snow this weekend - just a dusting. Some parts of southern Vermont got several inches, though, and this cold Sunday morning sure felt like winter. It's just now November, and I don't feel at all ready for the long dark months ahead. Neither are the gardens, which still have raspberries, carrots, beets, and brussel sprouts to pick. I guess we'd better get at it.

Reflections

 Several weeks ago, I visited my brother in the Northeast Kingdom and we took our kids out on the Clyde River. It was warm enough for T-shirts and the sun reflected the full-color foliage onto the water. We quietly floated along, hoping to see deer, not needing to paddle as the current carried our boats downstream. Peace.