Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Spring fling . . .

by Kim


"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

On the calendar it is that time of year, when we Spring forward with our clocks and although it may be a little darker when I get up in the morning, I sure do appreciate that extra daylight at the end of the day.

Here in Texas, several weeks ago Spring was spotted going 80 in a 60 degree zone and then the highway to Spring hit a traffic jam. But after a visit to some of the nurseries it appears to be back to smooth sailing. The trees are bursting with leaves and bushes have bright green new growth. 


{I wish there was a scratch 'n sniff - this Texas Mountain Laurel is rather intoxicating}

Time to start thinking about what I'm going to plant this year for the butterfly garden, in fact I'm waiting ever so excitedly for the monarch butterflies to show up from Mexico. This past season from March to my last one in January I raised and released well over 400 monarch butterflies. I'll share more on that another time.



The bees are slowly showing up and bestill my (insect) heart, they are a fascinating creature. I wanted to be a bee keeper, but sadly I cannot have them in my back yard. Did you know that a worker bee may visit as many as 2000 flowers a day, although not all at once.



I've spotted the morning doves in my yard gathering small sticks for their nests, and my lizard friends have started to show up as well. Did I mention how much I love this time of year?



"The flowers of late winter and early spring occupy places in our hearts well out
of proportion to their size." - Gertrude S. Wister

So rest assured, spring is coming to a neighborhood by you!! I promise . . . 

Love, Kim



14 comments:

Sandra said...

I love the Charles Dicken's quotation, it's so true about March! Such beautiful images you've shared here, Kim.

4 Lettre Words said...

Wowza, Kim...these are glorious!

heyjudephotography said...

Love the quotes, and I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I start to see spring in my neighborhood soon! Only 16 degrees this morning as I write this :( Lovely photos too Kim.

Dotti said...

Yes, it's definitely March here. Up one day, down the next. Snow in the morning, disappearing by noon time. But I have also seen morning doves, my early daffodils are trying very bravely to open up {mostly they're drooping in the cold}, and my crocus are coming on strong. But we have no where as many signs of spring as you have. All your beautiful photos make my little heart go pitta-pat-pitta-pat. I cannot wait! Thanks for the preview.

Sarah Huizenga said...

My dad has been a bee keeper going on 40 years now. They are such fascinating creatures. I use to help my dad extract the honey from the hive frames and go with him to the farmer's market to sell it. Sadly he looses half his hives every winter.

Linda/patchwork said...

Beautiful shots.
Yesterday was gorgeous. I got a lot done, in the garden. And, a flock of Cedar Waxwings came through. That's always been a sign to me, that spring is here.
Hope so.

terriporter said...

I can only image what this fabulous post is doing for the morale of all those still experiencing winter! HOPE!!! Yes, Spring will come! We never got winter this year and have been experiencing Spring for over a month but I know I'm in the minority. What a tough winter it was for so many people! I'll bet you're excited for the start of the Monarch season and we, of course, can't wait to go along on the ride with you.

Adrienne said...

I used that Dickens quote for an image on my 365 yesterday....you'd laugh if you could see the VERY different image that brought it to mind!! (icy pond!)
Your love for all things natural is infectious! I love listening to your love for the little critters .... I learn so much from visiting with you!

Deanna said...

Such beautiful images and thoughts of Spring....makes me want to see those signs around here even more, but alas, we are still in those winter grips or is it gripes....both I think.

Carol said...

YEEESSS - We are all famished for this - but your pictures are helpful and reassuring! I also love that Dickens quote - and, of course, your pictures are just beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Such exquisite photos! It's still very wintry here in Maine, but I know spring will get here. Meanwhile, I can look at your beautiful images and dream.

Deborah Weber said...

Such gorgeous photos - filling my heart with Spring joy!

Cathy H. said...

Beautiful spring images! I love the Mountain Laurel! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your creatures this spring!

susan said...

Howdy neighbor! Spring is definitely here in Texas and the weather is wonderful…well…right now it is. {wink} Glad you are out enjoying the bountiful beauty that surrounds us. Beautiful photos Kim!

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