Nobody needs me to spell out the “worst of times” side of 2020. As for the “best of times,” if we learn a lot and change things that need changing, then OK, maybe. But that is something we won’t know for years.
Meanwhile, there are things like this: people getting in touch who usually only send holiday cards, learning which technologies are useful, rediscovering pleasure in nature, being forced to reconsider priorities. Thinking more deeply.
This photo round-up doesn’t cover the whole range. (I’d ordinarily have pictures from protests but am too afraid of Covid-19 to go out.) I do have photos that reflect self-distancing and nature.
At the top, we have some parents’ tribute to their high school senior who, according to another message on the Toyota van, was embarrassed by the effort — especially because they “used that car”!
Next you see that self-distancing in a crowded antiques co-op was too difficult for one vendor, who decided on an honor system and even left items outside overnight!
The painted duck is enlisted every year to promote a nursery school’s rubber-duck race. This year the duck is thoughtfully wearing a mask.
I wanted to include the sign poking fun at my hyper-preservationist town and also a picture of some calligraphy I almost stepped on. The collaborative calligraphy artists are called Pollen, Wind, and Rain.
The yellow iris is Kristina’s, and the purple ones under the yew are at my house. Next up, the iris and peony gardens at Minuteman National Park — really worth the walk.
The next two photos suggest that one homeowner is into purple. Me, too. I love that clematis! The deep pink peonies made for my favorite peony shot. (I don’t find the typical round clumps anchoring lawns very photogenic. )
The Pink Lady Slipper next to the Starflower requires very special conditions in the wild, and I always feel honored when a Lady Slipper on protected conservation land lets me see her. The next three shots are from the same woodland walk, the last a total mystery. It’s a collapsed building that appears to have been left to rot in the forest years ago. I wrote to my 10-year-old grandson about it. Perhaps he will come up with a theory.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
You’ve had some interesting times. Minute Man NP is very nice. I should visit sometime this summer. It’s up to us whether it is the best or the worst of times. It could be our finest hour.
I am moved by your hope for this to be our finest hour. No reason it shouldn’t be if we want to make it so.
Thank you. 😊
The photos from the forrest could almost be from my forestwalks. Beautiful flowers. Thanks for sharing
I remember what lovely woods you have right in Stockholm, something every city needs!
Did I explain that I put in Deb’s comments myself because a computer filter she needs for her daughter blocks her here? Here’s what she said: “It was delightful see spring flowers again, the yellow Iris was stunning. The sign of ‘nothing happen here’ brought on a chuckle,and the old tree was a neat unique photo. Wonderful post!!” Follow Deb at https://abearsthimble2.wordpress.com/. Her posts about life on her farm in Georgia are delightful.