Welcome to the Jungle

During a brief respite from rain, I ran outside to check out my garden. This has been one very rainy and dreary Spring. I'm behind in my yard work, my plants are struggling to grow and bloom and the mosquitoes and gnats are their glory. A five minute foray into the backyard yields many insect bites and a tick or two. The amount of ticks we are finding on us and our pets is alarming especially that we use Frontline. The only good thing is that everything is green!

Sweet Signs of Spring

I was looking out the bathroom window this morning and caught a glimpse of purple loveliness. With camera in hand I ran out to my still sleepy garden to find my crocus in full bloom. Other sweet signs of Spring, the chipper call of the Tufted Titmouse, my goldfish swimming around in full view in my pond, the emergence of my Autumn Joy Sedum and tons and tons of weeds in my garden.

Emily Dickinson - A little Madness in the Spring A little Madness in the Spring Is wholesome even for the King, But God be with the Clown -- Who ponders this tremendous scene -- This whole Experiment of Green -- As if it were his own!

Where art thou Winter?

Where oh where did Winter disappear to? Rolling over in bed, trying to clear my sleepy head.....I could hear the melodious song of the male Cardinal. Is he trying to impress his girl or is he just happy that it isn't zero degrees and snowing. Not only did I hear Mr.Cardinal having fun but lots of other birds too. It feels so much like Spring today, they are predicting a high of 60. I ventured outside to get something. I was sporting lightweight pajamas........and get this, I was barefoot and the brick walkway did not feel cold to the touch. I couldn't believe when some insects flew by my face. It's amazing an insect would survive the Arctic freeze we've been in a good portion of the Winter. We are averaging ten degrees below normal so far and are on pace to use over 6 cords of firewood. I would love to be able to say that Winter is dead and gone for good but I know darn well this is just a tease. My itching to get out and do some yard work has already been forgotten. I mean come on, I am not that anxious for Spring to be here :)