Pretty in Pink

 While pink is not a color I would choose to wear or to decorate my home, seeing it outdoors is a different story. Here in the Northwest pink shows up in full glory during the spring.

It's rhododendron time and the bushes are decked out in a variety of pinks, from pink tipped white to deep rose.

 It's also apple blossom time.

 While walking along the lake a couple of weeks ago, I came upon this gorgeous flowering cherry tree all dressed in delicate pink.

 

Here is another variety of flowering cherry I found standing on the hillside overlooking Puget Sound from the Legion Park in Everett.

 The last of the pink tulips are still standing tall in my mother's garden.
.  

 While pink is the primary color in the neighborhood at the moment, it wouldn't be spring without a splash of contrasting color.  So here is my Golden Chain Tree with its sunny yellow blossoms cascading over the white petals on the bushes below.

 

This is where I leave you for now. All blessings to each one who stops by.

Adieu!

 

 

 

Blossoming Spring

 When we left for Georgia a few weeks back our region was still wrapped in a winter chill that was keeping most signs of early Spring firmly at bay.  Now, we have arrived home to a different world.  All the trees and flowers are starting to awaken and the first jay birds are making their appearance. The bunnies are popping out of their burrows.  It won't be long before we begin to spot small flocks of robins feasting in the early morning dew on the lawn.

Usually the Tulip Festival takes place in mid April, so I was surprised and please to learn that we had not completely missed the flowers this year.  The day after we arrive home last week I called a friend and we took a quick drive up to the fields.  While we had missed the peak of the blossoms, it was still quite pretty and well worth a lovely walk through the fields and gardens.

The exquisite color combinations are always such a joy to behold. I could sit for hours and look at them.

~~~

While nothing quite so spectacular is happening in my backyard, Spring is still making its mark.

The lilacs are just beginning to open spreading their lovely perfume.

 And the creamy petals of the apple blossoms have a beauty all their own.

Spring is such a lovely time of renewal and the reawakening of the senses after the long quiet of winter.

Out in the orchard dwell wee little fairies,
      Busy with bud and with blossom at last.
See how they work with their palettes and brushes,
      Tinting the apple-trees brightly and fast

Pink and white blossoms, so dainty and fragrant
      Laden with promise of good things to come,
Softly the breezes are stealing their perfume,
      While o'er their beauty the busy bees hum.

Mary D. Brine 

 

I will be sharing the photos from our trip soon.  May the Lord bless and keep you.

Adieu!

Getting Outside

Both the Inspector and I have been nursing a pretty nasty upper respiratory infection for the last couple of weeks.  Between that and the damp weather we have been feeling rather confined, and we have been desperate for some fresh air. So, in spite of the clouds Tuesday, we finally decided enough was enough and ventured out for a walk at our local trail.

We crossed paths with a few other intrepid souls, but for the most part we had the trail to ourselves.  

Everything looked lush and verdant.  The banks were covered with fern fronds and the buttercups were filled with delicate yellow petals. The brambles were blooming and will soon be covered with blackberries and salmon berries.
 

The scotch broom is in full bloom, which just added to our sniffles!

Fifteen minutes of walking brought us to the creek, and then it started to rain. (sigh).  Time to turn around. 

By the time we made it back to the car, the parking area was full of puddles.  Good thing I was wearing my boots and hooded jacket! 

 Wednesday started out a bit overcast, but soon the clouds cleared away and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of blue skies and bright sunshine.  The yard is awash in brilliant Spring color!.

 

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows from the top of the drive. 

I began the planting of my garden.  There are potatoes, onions, broccoli and the beginnings of green beans.  There is still space for some peppers and squash but that is for another day. It doesn't look like much yet but hopefully everything will grow.

 

 

Yesterday we went for a nice walk but I will share that another time.  This morning we woke up to a late Spring storm.  We were engulfed in the sounds of thunder crashing overhead and rain cascading down from the sky. It went on for some time, overflowing the rain gutters and causing waterfalls on the deck.  We watched the raindrops dancing on the surface of the front pond and splashing up from the brick pavers in the courtyard.

 Suddenly, it was over, leaving a stillness that was only punctuated by the sounds of water dripping from the leaves of the trees.  In the distance we could hear the soft rumble of thunder as the storm made it's way on to it's next destination.  As the morning passed, the muffled sound of an occasional birdsong started to break into the silence.  Gazing out the window, I can see that the skies still look leaden, and there is a light breeze stirring the branches of the neighbor's evergreens.  More rain is coming, but I think it will be much gentler than this morning's storm.  It's time to settle in with a nice cup of tea and perhaps a little reading.  A blessed day to each of you.  Thank you for stopping by.

Adieu!