Just another Monday

This spring has been moving along at breakneck speed. While I love the early arrival of warm weather, I would like just a little more time to enjoy each phase before it's gone. Lilacs have bloomed, peonies are nearly gone, and now I see the first of my hydrangeas starting to open up. I want to hang onto each of those favorites a just a little longer, but it's not to be.

Time is a strange thing. The days can seem to go slowly, yet in the blink of any eye, another month is gone. It's crazy to think that we're almost halfway through this year. My head spins when I think of all that's happened already and all that lies ahead. College graduation for our son is just a few days away and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around that. How is it possible that his undergraduate days are nearly over?

Today is one of those perfect spring days that follow a violent storm. Tornado warnings, hail and torrential rains of yesterday have been replaced by sunny skies and mild temps today. Much like many of life's events, wouldn't you say?

What are you savoring about spring right now?

Loving the light

I realize as I look through recent photos that the light is changing. The changes are subtle, but they're there. Though I love fall, there's a certain bittersweet feeling to the season, knowing that winter will come sweeping in behind it with its biting winds. Right now we still have many days with temps reminiscent of summer, but the mornings are cooler and the days are definitely shorter. For now, I'll keep seeking the light, watching the shift, enjoying the particular fruits of this season.

How have you noticed the change where you are?

Anything but normal

The view outside my window these days is white. Very white. The snow that gave us a lovely Christmas refuses to leave, and has been topped every few days by new powder. Normally the snow lasts only a few days around here, melting quickly a day or two after the storm. Things are definitely not normal right now!

In addition to the mounds of snow, we have sub-zero wind chills, and public schools have been canceled three days running. I've been busy making warm, comforting meals, shoveling the driveway and patio, and spending lots of time with the family. We're still in holiday mode it seems, at least until next week. I guess those plans for organizing and starting new projects will have to wait just a little longer. Any ideas for keeping cabin fever at bay?

A colorful week's end

Looking for fall color was a fun way to welcome in the new month. I always mourn the loss of summer, yet there's so much to love about autumn as well. Sunny days; crisp, cool nights; changing colors all around. Yes, there are blessings everywhere, if we just take time to look for them. What are you seeing in your corner of the world?

P.S. Be sure to check out the flickr group for more great color!

Eyes wide open

Just popping in to say "hi" today and to share some images of what I'm seeing these days. Life is moving along at its normal fast pace, a few ups and downs but mostly good right now. I'm in the mood to do some closet cleaning and fall decorating, but allergies and an ongoing sinus headache have kept my motivation low. Every time I think about starting a project, I just feel too tired to even begin. Oh, and add to that a broken toe (I missed a few stairs over the weekend) and I'm really moving slowly at the moment. I'm starting to feel a little shut in and I'm reminded that winter will soon be here. Time to get outside and enjoy these perfect days before it's too late! What are you seeing and doing right now?

Wordless Wednesday

It's happening

This bright red leaf caught my eye yesterday, a standout in the sea of still-green leaves on the maple tree in front of my house. And it caught me by surprise.

The overlap of seasons, the movement from summer to fall--it's happening. Ready or not, the breezes are cooler, the light is shifting, the mood is changing. Can you feel it?

Summer love

It's here! One of my favorite seasons, with so much to love.








Farmer's markets, home made ice cream, vegetable gardens, and outdoor art fairs...sigh. I hope you're enjoying some of these things, too.

Wordless Wednesday

Spring!?

I was all set to post some of my spring photos last week. The sun was shining, the scent of blooms was in the air, and it was all so hopeful and new.



Then the cruelty of winter returned full force. Rain, sleet, snow--the works.



Luckily my trees suffered no damage, and I had harvested most of my daffodils before the storm hit. My next-door neighbors weren't so fortunate--they lost their Bradford pear when the ice was just too much for the fully-bloomed tree. So sad.

Yesterday the sun came out and the snow beat a hasty retreat. Only a few traces linger today.



Time to pot these beauties and say goodbye to winter once and for all!

Dueling seasons

We're in single digits this morning and snowflakes are flying. My tiny space heater has been working non-stop to help my feet fight off the cold.



On the other hand, I can pretend spring isn't far away when I focus another kind of winter white.



Ah, breathe in that spring scent. Hope you can find a little spring in your winter, wherever you are today.

Wordless Wednesday

Changing seasons

Hello, October! I'm ready.

Hearts

Every year these flowers take me by surprise. The plant dies back completely in the summer and there's no sign of life for months. Then spring arrives and the plant makes up for lost time. One day, just a few inches of green peeking above ground. The next, a mound of leafy fronds and hearts dangling daintily from arched branches.





How I love the surprises of spring!

Ribbons in the sky

The clouds yesterday afternoon were fabulous. I had to park my van by the side of the road to try to capture what I was seeing.



This doesn't even begin to convey the beauty and drama. Now we're back to overcast and gray skies, so I'm happy to have this small reminder to enjoy today.

Clouds in my driveway

Winter returned with a vengeance yesterday. Biting winds and blowing snow were the order of the day, after an enjoyable 58 degree afternoon just 24 hours before. The wind was so fierce that the snow barely hit the roads before it was swept away. The snow that managed to stick was shaped into these formations.



Today, the sun did its magic--no more ice or snow on the driveway now. But we hear the next storm isn't far behind. Brrr!