Our Moment in the Sun

Look!  Up in the sky . . . it's a bird . . . it's a plane . . . No!  It's the Sun!!

Oh my gosh!  I thought we'd somehow been transported to the planet Venus, permanently shrouded in the clouds.  I was ever hopeful, however, because I figured we'd be somewhat warmer if we were on Venus. 

I'd been promising George a walk in the woods on the first day of sunshine.  George, taskmaster that he is, pawed at my leg all morning until I made good on my promise.

Here is my sun-dappled cat.  He was so happy to be out and walking.  We have to check the woods regularly to make sure that alligators, dinosaurs, wildebeests, cobras, and other such critters aren't running rough-shod.  George takes his job as the protector of our woods very seriously. 

After scaring those creatures away, we noticed that the trilliums are starting to open.

A few have unfurled their petals.  Interestingly, the ones in the shade are more likely to have opened than the ones in the sun (or, more than likely, it was just the time of day).

Things are still pretty wet in the woods.  The toadstools and moss like it.

The little Canada Violets are showing themselves too.

Doesn't it seem odd to you that some violets are yellow?  Why aren't they called "yellows"?

I don't know what kind of tree this is, but it blooms this time of year.  Generally, the wind prevents me from getting a clear image, but they seemed more inclined to have their picture taken this spring.

After we emerged from the woods, we took the opportunity to walk around the yard.  The daffodils are finally starting to open, after waiting patiently for weeks.

Some of the tulips are getting ready to open.  Tulips are a favorite food of deer.  I can only plant them in whiskey barrels up close to the house where the deer have to cross our concrete patios and walkways to get at them.  I've actually seen them standing at the edge of the patio looking hungrily at the tulips, licking their lips, unwilling to cross.  ("Yum.  Tulips!")

There was a bit of a breeze when we came out of the woods.  I love the sound the wind turbine makes when it's generating electricity.  (Sounds like money!)

And, in case there's any question about who's in charge around here . . .

Any questions?

Today I'm going to get my tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers started in the greenhouse.  It's regularly getting up in the 80s and 90s in the greenhouse during the day, so I think it's safe to start some things.  And if it gets cold again (as it no doubt will), we can always use that wind power to run a heater in there . . . although I doubt that would be an equal trade on electricity.  For my vegetables, however, it will be worth it.  I'm hoping for jars, and jars, and jars of spaghetti sauce this year.