Lately

In early June, we always hope that the garden has been tilled and planted, and that the days are warm enough to let the woodstove go cold for a few months. Beyond that, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the weatherman will keep us on our toes.

Rain-soaked leaves, pretty sunsets, a real gig at a real cafe for my little just-for-fun cover band, a garden planted and completely weed-free (don't blink), the hammock coming out of winter storage, baby veggies in the greenhouse, grass seeds as beautiful as any flower, loving reminders found in the book of Hebrews, a native blue bee, and my favorite old barn... These are a few glimpses of our early June.

In the Spring

The first fresh and tender flowers start to show their faces in the middle of Spring. Bleeding Heart, Trillium, Grape Hyacinth, Flowering Currant. Brand new leaves on trees are my favorite Chartreuse; so vibrantly green it hurts my eyes. It is still so, so, wet and chilly, but when the sun peeks through the clouds, there is warmth and even... sometimes... heat (gasp!).

Migrating birds return and the slugs and bunnies are everywhere, evening and morning, nibbling away at the edges of the yard. Our resident part-albino doe visits the yard, still with her Mama. She doesn't look like she will ever be full-sized, which we read is common with albinism in deer. She's very shy, so pictures are never possible without shrubbery partially obscuring her bright coat. 

In the greenhouse, seeds are planted in anticipation of warmer and dryer days ahead. 

And my new second-favorite pollinator is discovered hovering over the Forget-Me-Not patch. What is it? A little ball of fuzz with long legs and wings. Like an oversized mosquito in a fur coat. Its not exactly a bee, and doesn't really look like a fly, but is so darn cute! Give up? Its a Bee Fly!

You learned something new today. You're welcome.