spring – Site Title

The Garden

Sitting outside in the garden is just as nice as taking a walk out in nature. Today, it is exceptionally wonderful because the sun is out, there is a cool breeze blowing and a cloudless blue sky adds to the pretty picture. I’ve got my second cup of coffee on the table, a notepad and pen just in case I get some bright ideas. I love jotting them down before it flies out of my head never to be seen again.

All is quiet where “the three” are concerned. I’m talking about Larry, Curly, and Moe! Just kidding. I’m talking about the three cats, Chachi, Galli, and Shiro. They’ve had their food, have been cleaned and brushed and are taking their midday naps. It is peaceful for a change.

The garden is looking fantastic in all its spring glory. The cherry tree has lots of blooms, the fig tree is greening, the Magnolias have done blooming and the petals are now lying like a carpet of pink and white on the grass. It means work clearing them up but each year they put on a show and the neighbors appreciate their beauty as well. My neighbor told me last week that she loves standing at her kitchen window with coffee cup in hand and looking at that tree. According to her, it brings or rather puts a smile on her face. I can understand that because nature has a way of doing that if you just stop and stare for a while.

The Camelia bush is in full bloom dripping with white blossoms. It’s interesting how this plant stays green all winter and when spring creeps around, the blossoms arrive. They are gorgeous. The tulips are in full bloom as well in a myriad variety of colors. The apple tree is greening and it will just be a matter of time before it starts blooming as well. Last year, it was a bumper crop. Maybe, this year it will take time out. Two years ago, I planted some ground crawlers as they are called here and each year they take my breath away. This year is no different. When they bloom, the ground is nowhere to be seen. It is covered in shades of pinks, purples, and whites. It’s the same this year and it is beautiful. The roses are budding as well and when they do arrive in different shades, the garden will be filled with the scent of vanilla and something sweet. Another thing to look forward to.

The insects are not out in full force yet but they will show up sooner or later. For now, I am enjoying the quiet, the peace, the sounds of nature all around me and I can stay here forever but it’s time to go see what the little rascals are up to.

Have an amazing day.

A Sunshiny Day!

The day dawned bright and early. The three cats were in their element and I knew without a shadow of a doubt that Easter or not, I would be at their beck and call as and when they wanted!

However, all of that changed when I looked outside and saw the sun trying to put a bright and beautiful spin on the day and it was succeeding. It’s supposed to get really nice and that is something to look forward to.

Easter is going to be a quiet one. My son is in Berlin and has been there for several days. Starting a new career demands focus and guts. Berlin is a big city and it requires courage to see what is out there and how to navigate the unsavory parts as well. Being the helicopter mom that I am, it was hard to let go. However, his first move was to Munich where he will be working. Berlin is just a short excursion, as Trump would call it, just being facetious! Anyway, it is not an excursion, it is part and parcel of his new job, Berlin being the headquarters.

I couldn’t believe it when he sent me pics of his hotel room. This kid, he is no longer one, he is a young man who is standing at the edge of a new life. His new company had booked the hotel, a nice one at that, and he was going to be there for 10 days. Ten long days for me. I worried about everything. Will he get there alright? Would he know what to do when he gets there? How will he get to work and back? Things mothers worry about, helicopter moms anyway. He made it there safely, took a taxi there, checked into the hotel like a pro and made it to work and back the next day. He has also been checking out different restaurants and ENJOYING Berlin’s nightlife! He says he loves Berlin and might even consider moving there if he gets an offer. Hmm…..not going to say anything.

Last night, I got a pic from him. He and a friend were at a bar wearing big smiles on their faces and with blurry eyes. It was late, almost midnight when I got the pic. My first thought, “What is he doing out there this late?” I kept it to myself. Then at around one in the morning, another message. “Walking back to hotel.” I wrote back, “You do know that Berlin is a big city don’t you? Be careful walking back.” No reply. At two in the morning, another message. “Back in hotel.” You could hear my sigh of relief from here all the way to the moon and back!

The thing is, he is making his own way. That’s not to say that I won’t worry about him. I will always be the mother who worries about her kid but I’m also the mother who brought him this far. I must have done something right.

Today is another day. He has plans but he is not telling. Meeting another friend is on the agenda and perhaps taking in the sights and sounds of Berlin. I wished him well, although there is twinge of “fear” within. Just a normal reaction I guess.

I will preoccupy myself with the cats. They are a lot of work but when needed they help to take my mind off things, which is a good thing. The sunshiny day is definitely helping and I am going to sit out back in the garden and enjoy the sights and sounds of a beautiful spring day, insects included!

Have a wonderful Easter folks.

Springtime Bliss

It was early when I ventured out this morning. The sun was already shining and spring beckoned telling me that there was beauty out there to be discovered and not to waste time! Besides, I needed to get out of the house and to get some fresh air. The cats had been fed, brushed, the house cleaned and everything was as it should be except I needed OUT and what better place than the fields to keep me company and to help herald in a new day.

“Springtime is the land awakening. The March winds are the morning yawn.” Lewis Grizzard.

It was cold in the shade as I zipped up my jacket and walked up the hill. Immediately, I saw them. Just three of them, slightly smaller in stature as they stood there in the sunshine with their heads turned skywards. Perhaps, they were this year’s addition to the herd. I am talking about baby deer or rather fawn as they are called. I was still a distance away but as I approached, their heads turned in unison as they watched me cautiously. Within minutes, they made a run for it and went into the clump of trees and stayed there as I passed, waiting for the human to leave them in peace. I did.

Just then, I heard the soft cooing of a pigeon in the tree somewhere. Usually, it would be the loud cawing of a crow, harsh and raw, but this time around the soft cooing blended in with the quiet of the fields perfectly. Nothing else seemed to be moving. It was still early and the world was just coming awake. I turned towards the forest line and wondered if they were there, their splendid yellow heads moving with the wind.

“I wandered lonely as a cloud that floats on high o’er vales and hills, when all at once I saw a crowd, a host, of golden daffodils; beside the lake, beneath the trees, flattering and dancing in the breeze.” William Woodsworth

They were there and I was no longer alone, nature had decided to keep me company with a beauty so breathtaking that I could just stand and stare for a while. The slight gurgling of the stream as it meandered through the forest and the beauty of the daffodils standing like silent sentinels as they kept watch was enough to clear my mind of any cobwebs left behind from this morning’s stress and in its place was pure peace and wonder.

Walking back I noticed the rabbits as they showed up one by one, there were three in total, as they went about enjoying their breakfast of greens. There was plenty to be had.

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade.” Charles Dickens

So it was. Back home, I decided to have my second cup of coffee out in the garden. There is much work to be done, the weeds are starting to sprout and nature is working extra hard to bring the “bloom” back in all its glory. The big old Magnolia is looking gorgeous again in her spring attire. It is a show stopper every year and this year will be no different. The smaller one out back is in full bloom, a beauty in white sprinkling its delicate scent throughout the garden. I had to stop and stare as I took in a whiff of its scent, soft, sweet and breathtaking like the tree itself. The roses are not in yet but they will show up soon enough and it will be spectacular when they do. For now, the Magnolias are first in line and it is enough to bring forth spring’s bliss.

“Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.” Laura Ingles Wilder

Have an amazing day.

The First Daffodil

As spring flowers go, nothing signifies spring like daffodils. There are others that show up earlier than expected like the Snowdrops or rather snowbells, tiny white blooms that appear at the end of winter and the crocuses ranging from deep purple to golden yellow and sometimes pristine white. We get the purple ones here. However, it is the daffodil that heralds spring with its trumpet-like flowers, waving its yellow and white head to the sun that tells me spring is here and is going to stay for a while.

I headed out the door this morning looking forward to my walk when I noticed that the sun was already there telling me that it was going to be a glorious day. As I closed the front door and looked towards the front garden, I noticed the first daffodil in bloom! A beautiful yellow one looking directly at me! Soon, there will be plenty more but this is the first one I’ve seen in bloom and it put a smile on my face.

Saturdays are not for walking as far as I’m concerned. Too many people out there and with such a beautiful day, there would be plenty more. I like having the fields to myself. Not today. I noticed several people already there turning their heads skyward enjoying the sunshine. I took the forest way hoping for peace and quiet. No luck today. There were a few people already there enjoying the quiet and as we passed, there was a nod of the head and, “Guten Tag,” which is the norm here of friendliness and perhaps politeness as well.

There was the sound of a lone woodpecker in the tree somewhere pecking away for all its worth! Rabbits were scampering around, a couple, not many but soon they will be out in full force. Spring is just beginning and they have work to do. No deer today but it is early yet. I walked to the pond and it was quiet there. No herons, storks or ducks there. The stream meandering through the forest was gurgling gleefully as it made its way to where it needed to go. No daffodils yet. They usually show up on both sides of the stream in a blaze of yellow and while. Not today. There is time yet. It was quiet in the forest so I decided to head back.

Spring is here, not in full force but it will get here soon enough. When it does it will be a sight to behold and that one daffodil in my front garden will take a backseat as others come to take its place. All part and parcel of spring. It is one of my favorite season of the year.

Have an amazing day.

Another Day in Paradise

My idea of paradise is open spaces, blue skies, mountains, forests and streams running through the whole shebang! It is beautiful, calming and at the same time mesmerizing.

Today is no different except spring is in the air and there is sunshine everywhere. It’s a great day for a walk and to let the imagination run wild. There is a herd of deer standing still at the top of the hill enjoying the warmth as I’m doing. I watch them and they watch me in return. A shrill squawk attracts my attention and looking skywards, I see a heron in flight. It is majestic as it glides effortlessly through time and space. Two more herons join the symphony in motion and the dance is graceful as they dip and take off again, weightless against an azure blue sky.

A movement down below attracts my attention and two rabbits take off into the bushes and disappear from sight. There is a different energy out here today. Nature is breathing life back into the fields and everything is waking up after a long winter’s sleep, energized and ready to go. The air is crisp but still a little cold. It is exhilariting.

The only problem, there are more people out and about and where once I was the only one paying homage to paradise, it is no longer mine alone. It too is a sign that spring is marching in and staying indoors is for the birds when you have “paradise” just a stone’s throw away!

A beautiful walk nonetheless.

A Gorgeous Day!

Is it here? It shows promise and that is a good thing. The sky is cloudless, a clear blue in color, and the sun is out and smiling! The daffodils are getting ready to go on display and the birds are trilling like there is no tomorrow! Spring is definitely marching in but it is early yet so we might still get some cold weather holding on for dear life.

The fields are fantastic today. No clouds to mar their beauty and everything is touched with a little bit of gold from the sunshine. The slight hum of an airplane overhead didn’t do much to disturb the peace and the crows had gathered like they were getting ready for a funeral! The herons are still missing but the deer were out in full force grazing nonchalantly as I walked past. The mountains in the distance were visible and were happy to be seen.

I took the forest route. My usual route is to keep to open spaces but today I decided to let the birds keep me company as they rustled in the trees and let their spring song be heard, loud and clear. The butterflies are not there yet. It is officially spring here, early spring, and waking up from the deep slumber of winter takes some time. It is deceptively warm too but in the shade, it is nippy and a tad cold. I was alone again as I am most days as I take my daily walks but I love it this way. The woods seem to be quiet and the stream running through is gurgling happily. Soon, the daffodils will bloom on either side and it will be a show-stopping event. They will be gorgeous waving their yellow and white heads, doing their spring dance.

It is beautiful and it will only get better. The “blooming” will take place and it will show what nature has been working on during the winter months. Nope, it was not sleeping. A brief nap, maybe, but there was plenty going on beneath the ground as it will soon reveal. Nature has its rhythm and the change of seasons take place as it should with no lapses in between. All we have to do is to stop and marvel at its beauty as each season takes its rightful place leaving us in awe.

Spring is finally here and I for one can’t wait to see its full display!

Spring is in the Air?

“Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.” Doug Larson

I took my usual walk this morning and I was the only one out there with the “conference” of crows for company. There were about 20 of them huddled together in the field trying to keep the cold wind at bay while I approached all bundled up disturbing their peace. They did let out a loud caw as I got too close and took off to somewhere quieter.

We had snow yesterday but it melted as evening rolled around. Nothing new today but the forecast says light snow showers later. The temperature is dipping and can be felt from the biting wind tinged with ice as it picks up speed and touches my nose before it makes its way to where it needs to go. No one around or rather no one brave enough to get out here and meet the weather head-on. I did and I must say it feels refreshing and peaceful to have the place all to myself.

Taking my usual route, I walked to the apple trees and it was a muddy trek. Puddles of water were aplenty and I had to curb my urge to jump in them! The fact that they were tinged with ice stopped me from doing just that. As I approached the apple trees, I could see the small graveyard in the distance. It looked peaceful as it usually does. I’m sure he is at peace now.

Turning back, I took the same path back and decided to go up the hill. Then I saw them and my breath caught in my throat. Two ducks standing together, quiet but eyeing me cautiously. As I approached, they backed up and took off their red-tinged tails and loud quacks signaling that they were none too pleased with the intrusion. Spring on the way? I’m not too sure about that because we have snow in the forecast for Thursday, a 70% chance, so what are the ducks doing here? Perhaps, they are in a rush for spring to get here as I am. On my way back, I saw one rabbit dashing across the fields. Down the hill, two more appeared doing their spring dance! An older guy stood watching them and as I approached he said, “Wonderful sight, isn’t it?” I agreed. Yes, spring is definitely in the air and the silent world is beginning to wake up from its long slumber. I can’t wait!

It was a good walk although the cold is making my nose run. I need another cup of coffee and warmth to pep me up. It’s going to be a good day.

A Beautiful Day

Photo by Felix-Antoine Coutu on Pexels.com

The sun is shining and it looks deceptively warm out there. However, this beautiful weather is not going to stay for long as the weather forecast is predicting or rather forecasting rain and snow for tomorrow! We’re not out of the woods yet. This winter has been a long one for some of us and for others just par for the course.

I can honestly say that I want winter to be gone and the next season to make its way here. Perhaps, it is already doing just that. The daffodils, tulips, and other first signs of spring are sprouting their sleepy little heads and taking a peek at what is out there. It is still too cold for them to bloom but in time and maybe soon, they will show up wearing their spring faces. I can’t wait!

I’ve had two things going on and I’m not too happy about both. My dependable car had a problem and it needed to be fixed. It cost quite a bit to fix and then I was told that there was another big problem. One of the headlights needed to be replaced and I never expected it to cost an arm and a leg! Well, perhaps an arm. Anyway, now I have this excruciating task of deciding if I should fix it or look at getting another car. A woman alone looking for a car is not a good thing but I did do one or two trips alone and then decided to rope someone else into going with me. A guy and he went along gladly. First one, was a nice one, I’m talking about the car. It was compact and looked good but lo and behold, it had all new features which made me roll my eyes and shake in my boots! It had things that I had never heard of and since I have an aversion to change, I decided it was a no go. However, I was told that all new cars have such features so getting a new car was going to be a monumental task. I mean, bringing the horse to water and making it drink from it, that is!

The second trip with another guy in tow turned out to be better. I loved the color, a steel blue that looked good. Yes, that’s a woman for you. Color matters where a car is concerned. Then I took one look inside and it had features that I recognized! Even though it was a new car, they didn’t go with all the unnecessary Schnickschnack. It looked sporty but that is not necessarily important for me. I wanted something dependable and this one looked like it would do the job well without having to resort to hair-pulling when it comes to learning something new. So, I have a test drive booked for next week. I hope it works out and in two weeks I should have a new car with a six year guarantee to boot!

What’s the next thing? My son has the papers from his new job and it seems like it is a go as far as the new job is concerned. Now comes the part where I have to work on me to let him GO! Since I am a helicopter mom, this is a hard one for me. Some days, I am fine and others I say, I can’t! This too shall pass you say? I think you are right but my scalp can’t take too much more hair-pulling! Things need to settle down and I need a break from constant problem-solving.

One thing at time? Exactly what I’m planning to do. First the car and then the next thing which is coming up quick, like in two weeks! Oh God! I know I can do this too. That’s me trying to psych myself up. Hope it works!

I usually don’t do walks on Sundays but the sun is shining and I need to clear my head of unwanted thoughts. I’ve got “cars” flying past in one direction and my son with his bags packed going in the other direction!

Have an amazing Sunday.

The Simple Things (Archives)

Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS on Pexels.com

I woke up this morning ready to enjoy the day and to make the simple things count. Doing the mundane things first like having breakfast, my first cup of coffee, getting ready, cleaning up, I decided that it was time to do what I enjoy the most.

It was still pretty early when my furry four-legged friend reminded me that it was time to get up and get the day started. Looking outside, it looked like it was going to be a fantastic spring day. The cherry tree out front was in full bloom and it was a sight to behold. The sun was taking its time showing up this morning but that wasn’t going to deter me. I could feel the call of the wide-open fields as it does every morning so it was on with my walking shoes, a light jacket sans scarf and off I went.

The fields were as they always are, welcoming, serene and beautiful but only now they were wearing their spring outfits and it suited them just fine. The pink and white blossoms were glorious and the green fields simply full of life. Everything was coming alive taking its cue from Mother Nature. As I approached slowly taking in the sights and sounds that is familiar to me, I took the well-worn path and headed towards the apple trees. There was no one in sight and that is exactly how I like it.

The sky was littered with puffy white clouds and up above a slight drone of an airplane could be heard. On one side of the pathway, a duck pair had taken permanent residence or at least for a short while. They quacked in unison as I walked by acknowledging my presence or simply saying hello. A few feet away, two crows were cawing raucously their voices rough and not too pleasant as a silver-streaked hawk sat close-by watching them with glee in its eyes. I looked for the rabbits that I had seen the other day, they had been hopping and jumping and chasing each other but today they were nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it was too cold and they were tucked away deep in their burrows enjoying the warmth in their cozy hideaways.

Further up the path, both sides were green with oilseed rape plants their stalks heavy with bloom and soon the brilliant yellow will appear and when framed against the bright blue skies, an absolutely gorgeous sight indeed. The apple trees are just starting to bud and coming awake from their winter’s sleep and soon the pink and white blossoms will fill the air with their sweet scent for all to enjoy.

Nature has a wonderful way of reminding us that the simple things are still the best things that life has to offer and in so doing it anchors us to where we need to be. Leave it to Mother Nature to teach us that everything has a time and place and combined with patience, it will show itself as it was intended.

It was a great walk and I felt like a million dollars after having indulged in the simplest of things which helped to make my soul soar and that my friends is my start to a wonderful day ahead. I hope!

“The most simple things can bring the most happiness. If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.

Springtime Magic!

“Spring is the time when the world is filled with magic and everything feels possible.” Unknown

I’m down with a cold and it is not a good thing. I hate being sick so staying in bed and watching mindless “Reality TV” is not my thing either and neither is downing hot soup spiked with chili! A small trick my mom taught me as a young girl and mom had magic in her fingertips! She would fix me a hot steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup with loads of chili in it, then she would wrap me in a blanket and leave me to dehydrate! Hours later, I would be up and about feeling much better. I’ve got news for you mom, it’s not working now!

Anyway, I’m taking the less drastic route. Just some tea, lots of fruit and giving my system lots of time to recuperate. Is it working? Let’s wait and see. Coming back to the topic at hand, it is spring and it is blooming flowers! The sun is shining and I’m sitting out back with a cup of coffee and taking it all in. It is a time when “the earth laughs in flowers.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don’t have a huge garden, it is big enough to grow stuff in and small enough to keep things in order. I can see it needs work. Winter has left its mark and the dried leaves and twigs need to be swept up and room needs to be made for the “new” to creep in. The tulips are in bloom and their beautiful colorful heads are swaying in the light breeze. The medium-sized tree is full of wonderful white blossoms but for the life of me, I can’t recall what it is called. I know that if you sit out back when early evening rolls around, the scent is mesmerizing. The huge Magnolia tree is in full bloom and its pink and white flowers are a sight to behold. The lone apple tree is greening and there are lots of pink and white buds on it. Perhaps, a bumper crop this year? Don’t hold your breath! This particular tree has a mind of its own. Last year, it teased with lots of flowers but the output was next to nothing. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will do better this year. However, the thing that blew my mind this morning is the cherry tree. I’ve been keeping it trimmed so that it doesn’t get too out of control but it is taking it in stride. The tree is covered in white blossoms! More cherries than last year? Last year, I got two. They were firm and sweet but I’m hoping for more this year.

There is definitely magic in the air. The sky is a glorious blue, the sun is warming and the “flowering” tells me all things are possible where nature is concerned. What about from the human side? Unfortunately, that needs a little more work but “magic” is contagious so I’m hoping it is catching! Time for another cup of tea before I crawl back into bed!

“Your mind is a garden, your thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers……or weeds.” Unknown

Have an amazing day.