What
an unusually warm year we're having! Winter was mild and spring is
at least six weeks earlier than normal here in Tennessee. Highs in
the 70's in February and 80's in March have coaxed my flowers to show
their faces much sooner. Everything has come up beautifully green,
lush, and ahead of schedule.
Early iris that ordinarily bloom in April produced their gorgeous
colors during March; later ones are showing their faces now.
Our trellis is exploding with hundreds of New Dawn rosebuds. My
great grandmother's old fashioned pink rosebushes are blossoming now instead of on their traditional Mother's Day. I had
to cover them up last Wednesday night for the 35 degree light
frost of blackberry winter. Yes, that's right, blackberries are blooming and will be ready to eat long before July.
My lilac bush is
covered with pretty sweet-smelling blooms. And,
believe it or not, my mama and I picked two gallons of luscious sweet
strawberries on April 6, a full five weeks before they regularly come
in. We've already mowed our grass three times. Our apple trees are
sprouting tiny apples, which the deer are enjoying immensely.
I'm
not sure what this early development means, but I am thankful for the
wonderful weather and Mother Nature's show. April is one of my
favorite times, probably because it's my birth month. Warm sunshine,
a few rain showers, pretty flowers, and breezy days on the screened
porch make me happy. I only hope that all these early warm days
don't transition into a long hot dry summer.
Today
is my birthday.
I will eat cake and have fun.
I will absolutely NOT act my age.
I will eat cake and have fun.
I will absolutely NOT act my age.
