A Spring Wander.

One of the natural events that I wait for every year is the blooming of the Pasque flowers. They are a fuzzy crocus type flower that blooms prior to any leave emerge. They grow on a very rocky hillside that has only a very shallow layer of grounds, but does get full warmth of the afternoon sun.

One of the reasons that these are especially dear to me is that they often bloom somewhere between my birthday and our anniversary. This year they are visible, but not in bloom for our anniversary - it has been a very long winter!

As you can see below, it is very hard to even see them until you are really looking for them. I will keep you updated when they bloom!

However, the first crocus of the season (below) emerged just in time for the celebration! And the first of the bikers has hit the trail (left) so spring is here.

It was also time to say good bye to some of the things that have made winter tolerable. The corn cobs and stalks will be tilled under; the dry weeds that are our 'flowers' during the winter will get used in nests, or fall as their replacements grow; and the sumac that provided some subtle color all winter, will start over. Thanks to them for sticking around through the winter!