Sunday Stroll - Flowering

Things are beginning to bud in the flower beds, 

like this old fashioned rosa rugosa,

or this stately iris that I call "Elaine's Purple"

 after the friend who gave it to me.

The creeping phlox is in full swing,

and the coral bell is just waking up

to lure the hummingbirds in.

Late blooming narcissus are brightening up

one edge of the corner herb garden.

Almond

Meanwhile, in the orchard,

the fruit trees are wide awake and singing.

Apricot

Plum

Peach

Apple

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you peace.

For more flowers and some incredible bird photos, head on over to Steve's blog: Out on the Prairie.

Sunday Stroll - Foraging at the Vineyard

We spent the afternoon at the local vineyard

participating in a foraging walk and dinner.

There were surprises hidden all along the way.

The apples blossoms will soon be open

beneath brilliant blue skies.

Spring is, truly, a breath of fresh air.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

Be sure to check in with Steve and see all that he has discovered, Out on the Prairie.

Sunday Stroll - May you be well

I walked out past the cedar swamp,

into the maple wood.

Would I see the new leaves unfurl

if I stood very still 

in the early afternoon sunlight?

I walked along a stream, 

where ever rock and fallen log

is a tiny world of growth and vibrant color.

Do you see the porcupine in the tree?

I was disturbing his sun bathing,

so I snapped a couple of photos from a distance,

and left him to his idyll in the sun.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you comfort and joy.

May you be well.

Head on over to Steve's blog, Out on the Prairie for his beautiful nearly-summer stroll.

Sunday Stroll - May Flowers

At long last,

flowers are beginning to bloom

on our little homestead

in the hills.

Spring is late for the party this year.

Last year, the spring peepers awoke in early April;

this year, on the first of May.

The grass is greening slowly,

while violets bloom

on slender stalks

that quiver

in the sharp breeze.

Periwinkle, or vinca, flowers open wide their star-like forms,

amid masses of evergreen leaves,

beneath the Sycamore in the front yard.

A few blue-veined sunny squills

bloom among the fresh-bright vinca leaves,

and the bare brown husks of last year's maple & sycamore leaves.

Sherlock Holmes, our dapper elderly rooster,

strolls through the chicken yard.

Here it is, another season,

as the year rolls on.

Wherever you are, whatever the weather, I wish you joy.

You won't want to miss Steve's stroll today, Out on the Prairie, where eagles nest.