I think we've now turned the corner to Spring! We only have a few stubborn patches of snow left after our two inches of rain this past weekend. On Monday when the snow finally receded off the flower bed by the pool I saw that the daffodils had broken ground and just been waiting for their white covering to leave. The dogs have been running all over the yard, sniffing and taking in all the scents that they haven't been able to sniff since December. The trees have taken on a reddish tinge that means they are thinking about bursting their buds. Finally.

My amaryllis have started to bloom. The big one has already sent up a flower stalk which has finished blooming and it is sending up yet another one. The "baby" (shown here) also bloomed for the first time. I guess I should separate it out from the mother bulb when they're done blooming. My oldest amaryllis has two smallish stalks coming, but my favorite frilly one has only produced nice shiny new leaves. I don't think it's going to bloom which breaks my heart.

Tuesday was a beautiful day. The sun was out and even though it was still a little brisk it was really nice. I went to Skylands for a walk. I did the lower loop with all the woods and the pond. I heard the knocking of the pileated woodpecker and searched for it high in the trees. It was close to the nesting box at the pond. It's so much fun to see it. They are such cool looking birds. I was aiming the camera and staring up when a man and woman walked by and wondered what I saw. I pointed out the woodpecker and the woman said "Oh, it's a woody." I liked her cute little nickname and I think I'll adopt it.

I found the pond still mostly covered in ice.

This pair of geese were enjoying the parts of the pond that are now ice-free.

Once back in the car and on my way out of the park I had to pull over to see what the splashes of purple were by the side of the road. Crocus!

Welcome, spring!

Yeah! I’m ready!

I certainly have my fingers crossed that we’ve turned the corner.  Except for tomorrow only 50 degree temperatures on the 10 day forecast.  Need to start in on my yard work and get mu butterfly bushes pruned and some mulch and weed stop down.  Sunshine and close to 60 today.  Hurray for spring!!!!!!

P.S. The Woody Woodpecker cartoon is based on the Pileated.  Keep faith for the frilly amaryllis!

C, I can’t start my yard work just yet. Still some snow where I need to work. And, yes, I knew that Woody Woodpecker cartoon was based on the pileated—that’s why I thought her nickname was so cute!

Yay! I am so glad you’ve finally turned the corner! I love your amaryllis. Ours are still blooming, but one seems to be having trouble sending up leaves—the bloom is gone and the leaves are just little nubs, sitting there. It doesn’t look good to me!

I keep meaning to e-mail you about the Seychelles. I’ll do it today, hopefully!

Steve, sounds like your amaryllis is out of juice! :( Usually the leaves come up fast. I have leaves and no bloom on my favorite and I think it’s going to stay that way. It’s not the oldest one either. Yes, email about the Seychelles. It’s be a long time since we were there but too much couldn’t have changed.