Spring has Finally Sprung!

This was my first winter in Ohio and it was considerably different from winters in the California Mountains. They don't get nearly the quantity of snow that we did, though you would think they did by their response to even 2"-5" of the white stuff. They freak out!
The major difference is the study in grey. Grey sky, grey trees, grey everything. In California you have snow and then the sun comes out and the contrast is startling between blue sky and the whiteness of the snow. The other difference is the bitter cold. Many days of negative temperatures with the wind chill and a biting wind. When you open the door for the dog and she stops dead in her tracks and turns around and runs back to the sofa you know it is cold.
Now we are in the last tango throes of winter and spring. One day it is warm and sunny and the next cold and grey once again. Then the next almost balmy and you sit outside with no coat and start plotting the garden only to have your dreams dashed the next day once again! The dance.

Winter Aconite.


The other day we stopped in at Wegerzyn Park and much to my surprised eyes were patches of bright yellow! My heart skipped a beat, at last a sign of Spring! These little beauties were spreading out here and there. They have been cleaning up the gardens and preparing for Spring.

Snowdrops.



A few crocuses were out as well. Lovely little purple flowers.
In the yard at home Naked Lady lilies and various bulbs are just peaking their foliage above ground.
Not too much longer and Spring will be here to stay. I can't wait.

Signs of Spring

Glorious Daffodils! Is there any other symbol of Spring that is as beautiful and happy than a daffodil? Their little trumpets raised towards the sun announcing that warmer weather and longer days are not so far away. The daffodils in the picture welcomed you to the Antique Hotel store in Big Pine, CA on highway 395. I found a sweet Ross Originals pottery vase of a bird perched on top of a branch. Just large enough for a bloom or two and the perfect find on a Spring themed jaunt.

The Sierra Nevada mountains are all covered in white but the lower foothills all have a tint of green. Tufts of grass are coming up by the side of the road. We decided to get out of town and headed south early. The Eastern California Museum in Independence is just setting up for the Inyo County Pioneering Women:Faces Through History, exhibit. It officially starts at the museum on March 27th and goes through September 6th. These amazing, strong women helped to carve out a life for themselves and their families in the Sierra. There will be lectures and exhibits celebrating women throughout the Sierra from Ridgecrest to Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes to Shoshone (a place I admit I have yet to visit). The stories and lives of these women are inspirational. The program is being organized by the Eastern Sierra Cultural Heritage Alliance. Bravo!

We love exploring as most of you know and that is part of our "Blooming Where You are Planted" philosophy. Get out there and learn about the history of the place you call home. See who came before and blazed the path. Spring symbolizes new beginnings and hope, creating and newness!

See your environment through new eyes no matter how long you have lived there. Look for signs of Life!