Slow-walking spring

 

Weeping Crab Apple

Spring-like weather has been teasing us for a couple of weeks now, but this morning I woke up to 29F, so she's in no hurry. My weeping crab apple (left), on the other hand, is ready to seize the moment. Any moment. I have great sympathy with this enthusiasm. I was "that kid" who ran into the swimming pool without testing the water temperature first. Smile. And that's the least of it.

Cornus kousa 'Greensleeves' (Olivia)

Most plants, though, are more circumspect. The Dawn Redwood has poked a few leaf tips out, but is on hold right now. The Linden and our Cornus Kousa 'Greensleeves" likewise. Let's not be hasty. Apple buds are swelling, but not ready to commit. The Peach has decided to hold off completely. For the time being. The raspberries, of course, are pushing hard, but they can tolerate some cold-ish weather, so they're not necessarily unwise to do so.

Scylla

The Scylla litter the lawn and bedding floor like so much high-class confetti. But the Daffodils are quite slow this year. Surprising really.

And the old-fashioned Bleeding Hearts are giving it a go. They seem to be right on time.

Daffodils almost in bloom

Bleeding Hearts

Nature's own totem

Climate Change has been much on my mind here lately. We're still cleaning up the mess that the winter rains and wind (not snows. . .imagine that in Maine) wreaked on our trails. 

Our recent Earth Day event had a hopeful ring to it. . .children were involved. . .and we had the community involved in making a huge roll-up mural (called a Cranky) to the inspiration of a poem written by one of our members. The title is How Humans Saved the Earth. After they messed it up, of course, but let's invite people to solutions, not despair. The caveat to that optimism, of course, is what Jamie Tartt warned . . . It's the Hope that kills you.

Oh No! I can't end with that. On other fronts our lives continue on. Trouble shooting kiln problems, painting our house, planning for medical what-not. The stuff of everyday life.

And of course, walking with Jasper. John snapped this image of a tree still standing. It seems like a statement to me, but I'll let you decide.