I found it harder than usual this year to wait for spring flowers, so I ordered bulbs online. The way the tulips opened was really intriguing. Do all tulips emerge from under a leaf as if from under a wing or from a womb? I had never noticed that before.
Signs of spring appeared outdoors in due time, but first I took plenty of snow, lichen, and shadow photos.
The bird feeder kept me entertained all winter, especially when rare visitors like bluebirds showed up. Another hit in lockdown was Kim’s lecture series about New Shoreham, RI, nature, where I learned that the fuzzy growth on the Massachusetts tree below is Bushy Beard Lichen.
One funny thing: I was excited about seeing pussywillows, but when my Arlington family saw the photo, they thought there must be a hidden image. My granddaughter suggested there was a snake in the foreground, and my grandson saw a turtle. Now I’m inspired to seek photos of snakes and turtles!
I hope you remember my Afghan mentee, Shagufa. She has the world’s best host family, helping her in countless ways. This month they gave her the first birthday party of her life. You never heard anybody so amazed and delighted by a cake with her name and age — and candles!
Meanwhile in Stockholm, the seniors continue outdoor dance exercise no matter how cold it gets. Stuga40, their volunteer leader, says that in addition to the health benefits, the point is to have fun. When a preschool group came walking through the park, the children were invited to join in.
Suzanne's Mom's Blog 
The picture you took of the snowdrops look shockingly like one I took in my yard a few days ago—dry leaf, brick wall and all. A beautiful selection. I liked the artistic outdoor contraption with the owl.
Carol, I was assuming you lived in France. No? Are you in New England?
Non. Michigan. 😀
Just addicted to all things French.
Ha!
Fun pics. The bird feeders do keep us entertained.
There are very few birds this week. I heard the hawk was hanging around on my street. I like seeing a hawk, but I don’t like its motivation for coming to my yard.
I’m surprised to see so many spring bulbs blooming back your way! We are starting to see a few native wildflower bulbs peeping out, but tulips are emerging, but not blooming here yet.
Oh, the ones in the indoor pot were from Harry & David. They were forced.
Nice pictures! Lovely story about the birthday. Bring on the cake!
I told Shagufa I knew a work intern from Vietnam who was given her first birthday party by coworkers and burst into tears. Shagufa said she understood that. In the happiness, there’s a reminder of loss, I think.
In the happiness, there’s a reminder of loss
–I think that’s profound
Shagufa was more happy than anything, but I think the Vietnamese intern was deeply sad.
… which no doubt represents the differences in their circumstances, what they left behind, what they’re looking forward to …. plus there’s just who we are as people and how our emotions come out.
So well put! Yes.
Beautiful pics with flowers and shadows. I feel spring is here. It is wonderful
We always appreciate spring after the cold and dark of winter — but especially after a pandemic! Let’s dance!
lovely photos
I enjoy yours on twitter very much. You have a good eye.
We have a lichen on our oak trees that is lace-like called “Ramellina reticulata” or sometimes “Old man’s beard” that may be the same.
You may be right. I don’t know the Latin name for the lichen in my photo. I do remember seeing a lot of it the last time I was in California.
So good to see your snowdrops! Mine have gone for this year. As always I love seeing your nature photos, it’s great seeing what catches your eye.😍
I’ve gotten very interested in lichens and fungi for some reason. Some still seem creepy, but many are really beautiful.