Monday, March 10, 2014

Happy as Kings


March is blowing in with its usual force. It's blustery weather outside! The wind chimes go from moments of quiet to a full jingle of tinkling and noise! A little bit is serene. Too much is annoying! It does keep one aware of the blustery conditions, though. Clouds cover the sky. The sun shows its merry face occasionally. And we wait for spring. In addition to the yellow crocus and the white snowdrops, the purple crocus has burst into bloom. But walks around the yard reveal a slow pace for many other signs of spring. Even the lawn is still brown and dreary. Inside, though, it is cozy and bright. They say it is too early to prune the rose bushes, so a day of cutting quilt blocks is in store instead. Like Sudo, the grand-puppy, I think I'll cozy up to the warm fire during quilting breaks, pour myself a cup of tea, and be happy as a king! Happy Monday!

Sunday, March 09, 2014

Snow. Drop.


The snowdrops are blooming! Drooping, the are white, and dainty. They burst into bloom in late February and grace March with their presence. They are classic in their crisp, simple lines and are a beautiful blend of white and green in clusters that invite you to draw near. Aptly named "snowdrop" because they look like little drops of pure white clusters that are falling to earth and they appear when winter is still here. Snow. Drop. Snow. Flake. Snow.


You can read more about this lovely flower here.

Saturday, March 08, 2014

Morning Crocus


It is amazing what some sunshine and daylight will do. Even on the shady side of the house, the crocus were opening at first light and waiting for the sunshine to hit their flower bed. Often we don't stop to think about the mechanism of some types of flowers. Blossoms that open every morning and close again every night are amazing. It is said that these types of plants have a nyctinastic trait, displaying rapid movement rather than the slow movement normally seen in other plants. There are several reasons for this action. Some plants are protecting their blossoms by closing at night when it is chilly. Others are saving their nectar from the bats and moths that are active at night. The creator placed such wisdom in the beautiful flowers. They close not just on a whim but for a purpose that preserves them so that they can survive. Isn't it wonderful that they do this so we can enjoy their beauty for greater lengths of time?


I hope you have a beautiful day and that you can take time to stop to observe the blossoms that surround you. 


Friday, March 07, 2014

Crocus


The spring crocus has appeared this week. It's wonderful to see some color in the garden again. It wasn't that long ago that snow covered this flower bed. But hidden below the surface were sprouts of green and eager flowers that were just waiting for sunshine! 

This picture was taken at dusk, right after the blossoms closed up for the night. Tomorrow I'll share a daytime picture!

Thursday, March 06, 2014

Orb of Sunshine


Winter Aconite is one of the first flowers of spring. At the first of March, a row of them were blooming along Grandpa's pathway to his front door. They look like little orbs of sunshine! Their official name is Eranthis hyemalis and they are a species of a flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. Although native to woodlands of Europe, they grow successfully in many places in the United States. Aren't they pretty? I love the bit of cheer they add to a cloudy day.

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Cake!


No words needed. Creamy. Delicious. Sweet & Sour. So Good!

Saturday, March 01, 2014

March is Here!


The month of March is here. A snow storm is predicted for tonight. Gray skies and zero sunshine. It's hard for me to find things to blog about. Hurry up and get here, SPRING!
Tidbits of cheer still abound on these dreary days, though. Sudo, the adorable grand-puppy has learned to sit. Here she is, sitting on a stool, and posing for the camera.
Can you see her tongue? She's saying "those frozen chicken-bits were delicious!


One son has escaped the dreary weather for a climate that is hopefully a bit warmer and that teams with SUNSHINE! Flying anywhere in the USA right now, though, can be a bit tricky with delays and jet de-icings. Happily, he arrived safely and in a timely manner.


My baby was happy to go for a walk at the park. She found a squirrel and could stand there watching it for hours if we didn't coax her away. Once away, her attention span is short and she's on to new discoveries.


My mother's handmade and embroidered "heart" quilt was on display in the library 
for the month of February. It looks a bit small in that vast expanse, but it is a lovely quilt that exemplifies hours and hours of careful handwork. It looks more at home displayed over the back of an old oak chair in my house.


The large white maple tree in our front yard has been sick for a few years. We finally decided to cut it down. It was much larger in real life than this picture makes it look! It's being cut and split for firewood...and three trailer loads of branches are being hauled to the local landfill. Exercise!

What's happening in your neck of the woods? 
Any sunshine, warmth, and flowers yet?

My first snowdrops are blooming.
I'll take pictures and show you soon.

I hope you are having a blessed day!