Weeds

Spring always begins with the blooming of crow's poison, pennyroyal, phlox, evening primrose, salvia, and all blooms colored in every conceivable hue it seems.  Some are just lovely to look at, others perfume the already crisp air with heavenly scents.  Attracted to them are gorgeous butterlies, busy pollenators; bees and hornets.  I don't pick them but embrace their beauty and capture it on my little camera that I keep with me while outside.

When Grey Gives Way To Blue . . .

Winter skies leadened grey darken one's spirit and weigh heavy on the soul.  When I wake to a crystal blue cloudless sky my soul alights and my spirit soars.  I long for the day when dead and bare branches leaf out to green leaves and wildflowers of all colors burst forth and butterflies and bees appear out of nowhere to breathe life back to a dead planet.

Hummingbirds

The red liquid is filled to the brim in the 6 bud feeder. Swirling and diving and flitting around it are 2 dozen or more ruby throated emerald hummingbirds. They empty the feeder in a matter of moments. As used to the presence of these delightful birds as we are, the sheer number of them this month is astounding. The drought has apparently caused them great hunger. We have urged two of our neighbors to also put up feeders and indeed our flock has lessened some, though not much. The are so beautiful with their emerald feathers shimmering in the bright summer sun. They are so tiny, some of them, they appear to be miniature even for their species. My desire is they come back in droves year after year.

The Winged

I saw my first winged beings today ... small winged rather. The first dragonfly and the first two butterflies of spring. I look for these creatures every year, because with their coming marks the end of cold north winds and the emergence of warm winds from the south. The garden sections of the stores are busy with people buying soil, planters, and the first blooms the merchants offer. So much color and vibrance! The wildflowers have come up and opened their petals, painting roadsides and ditches pastel red, pink, blue, white, yellow. Thistle is blooming, another treat of mine. A lovely color and such a treat for the black swallowtail butterfly. In my own garden begonia, brugmansia, lily aloe and golden dewdrop awaken from their winter sleep and reach new leaves and growth toward the warming sun. Squirrels and birds flit around the birdbath I've placed there taking drinks and baths. This is why I've come to love the coming of spring so much.