Earlier this week I was catching up on some of my favorite blogs. One of those is Frugal Little Bungalow. Deb, the author of this blog, often posts about the simplest parts of life and she usually reminds me to slow down, stay in the moment and appreciate all that I am blessed with. A talented quilter, Deb often quilts her work by hand and her stitching is lovely. A few days ago she wrote about the passage of the seasons and how often we spend our time looking toward the next season, instead of staying present and enjoying what the current season has to offer. How true. She finds herself enjoying winter and all it brings, rather than wishing for spring. Her exquisite photos illustrate her point beautifully. Take a peek at this post. You will be happy you spent a minute with Deb. I promise!
I find myself thinking winter is coming to an end far too quickly. I have enjoyed this winter season with all of the rain and snow we have received. I want more! We need more! Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen temps in the mid-70’s. My yard thinks spring is here. No, not yet!! It is unavoidable; with the sunny days we have had, everything is beginning to bloom.
My camellia’s are putting on quite a show this week.
The magnolia blossoms are just starting to open. These are likely the most dramatic blossoms in the yard.
The peach tree is starting to bud.
The almond tree is beginning to blossom. (Side note: In the seven years we have lived in this house, we have NEVER eaten an almond off this tree. This tree is apparently grown for the squirrels only. They do not share with us!)
The critters know it is spring as well. Geese are everywhere.
The girls in the coop are laying eggs with serious intent and it won’t be long before they become broody and snap at me when I come to get the eggs. (I bring them grass clippings since they don’t have the freedom of foraging the property. We have far too many predators nearby, such as bobcats, hawks, foxes and coyotes.)
I know that we will still have bits of winter. It is very common for our area to have this burst of spring and then have a cold snap in March and again in April. For the most part, spring is making itself known in these parts. As for me, I am trying to hang on to winter for just a while longer.
Your blooms are gorgeous and I well remember when you were needing the rain so badly and so thankful when the rains came. I hope they continue and thank you for the sweet mention! 🙂
You’re very welcome Deb. I love your writing and it is well worth sharing!
Best, B.
I must admit I am a bit more than envious….those camellias are beyond gorgeous….they are one of my favorite flowers. Spring in northern California is on a much different timetable than here in southeastern West Virginia….we’ve just come off of a 21 inch snow here…and expecting 5 inches again today. Alas, nothing is blooming here….but I am holding on to the hope that spring will get here—-eventually. lol….in a few weeks I’ll be able to force some forsythia into blooming for a bit of color and promise of more. Thanks for this post…it was good for my soul. Blessings….
p.s. thank you also for turning us to Frugal Little Bungalow…..I’m having a hoot there reading past posts and enjoying the eye candy…..as well as the “soul” food I’m finding there in her devotions. I hope someone does something unexpectedly nice for you today.
kathy
Kathy, Thank you for both of your lovely comments. Isn’t Deb’s blog great? I love some of her posts about vintage items and her childhood. Really fun to read.
Your comments were definitely my “something unexpectedly nice” for the day. I appreciate it.
I had forgotten about the forsythia and it is just starting to bloom. I will have to cut some branches and bring them in. Yay!
Lovely, lovely, lovely. Both the photography and the images. I am sitting here at my dining room table looking out on what our winter storm brought us last night. I am trying not to wish for spring (and I really should enjoy this–it’s only the second big storm we’ve had–the last of the “season” was in November). But your flowers are just so gorgeous. Thanks for sharing Deb’s blog. She’s on my list, but it’s been awhile since I took a look, and I needed that little nudge to go back.
I like her blog! Always wanted to move into an older house and fix it up. I grew up in a 1940s brick bungalow and loved every nook and cranny.
I enjoy your home and property photos so much. Your camellias, magnolias, and fruit and nut trees – heaven! I’d keep chickens penned up too. We had “free-range” ducks 10 years ago that gradually disappeared – all we’d find was a scattering of feathers. 🙁 We are still sad about that.
Here in south Texas, mild winters prevail, summers are hot and humid, and spring and fall are barely discernible. I find it hard to embrace weather here, because I grew up in northeastern Oklahoma and most recently lived in central Oklahoma “where the wind comes sweeping down the plain” and stormy weather is common – and I love storms! So in spite of any intent to live in the meteorological moment, I long for true changes of seasons.
Oh I totally get it. I would have a hard time without the change in seasons. I really like moving from one to another. Summer is my least favorite. Seems like I used to tolerate hot weather much more than I do now. Seems like you shod be looking forward to a new grandbaby soon, right? Hope your daughter is doing well.
B.
Yes she is due mid April but thinks she might go early. She may have to schedule a C-section unless little Toot is turns from her current breech position.
Oh I hope she turns. Maybe they will be able to turn her by manipulating her externally (on the belly). They were able to turn Julia like that- good luck!!
Beautiful post Bernie! Your photos are gorgeous! Nicely done! My son, who loves winter because of all the skiing up at Sugar Bowl, has been rather worried about the California drought. At the beginning of the winter he was so happy every time it rained! And then sad when the sun was out. Just in the last week, he finally had a change of heart when it was nicely warm. He said “Mommy, I think I’m actually liking this nice weather!” I encouraged him to take each season for it’s own unique specialness. There is beauty in it all!
Such a lovely response and a sweet story about your little guy. Thank you Kristi. I hope your family has had some fun up at Sugarbowl this year.
Beautiful garden & hens. I hope the weather cooperates and brings more rain & snow, but somehow your fruit tree blooms will be spared. Last year a late April snow/hail storm destroyed all the blossoms on our fruit trees, neither we or the critters got a single fruit! 🙁
We are definitely at risk of having a “no peaches on the tree” sort of summer. It always seems that we get a freeze in March or April and the blossoms will probably be too far along this year to withstand it. Dang it! Last year we had tons of peaches. We shall see.