Promise of a new day. . . . . . .

The sunrise can be beautiful but fleeting.

Here in the garden I was just in time to take a 

photo of this female Cardinal in the fig tree

this morning. . . . . . . the sun illuminating her 

feathers and turning them to gold.

One more quick snap and I caught the magnolia 

in the early sunlight. . . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . and the first of the tulips not yet eaten by visiting deer!!!

I have a feeling my tulips may disappoint this year.

Hanging in there......................

Brrrr, it has been cold!

A few extremely chilly nights have passed, now we should return to

 warmer days. I see no more sub-freezing night temps heading this way. 
Floating bed sheets and tablecloths over the hydrangea bushes is over.

Perhaps spring is truly on the way here in the southeast.

These mama squirrels will be happy up their trees.  Busy for sure raising
 the babies we know are now tucked in those nests in the tops of the oaks.

Tails certainly come in handy for balancing acts - and always

 seem at their bushiness at this time of year. 

Perhaps they became snug blankets for the naked babies on

 those recent cold nights - just a thought!

March garden gifts -----------

"It is the first mild day of March

Each minute sweeter than before

The redbreast sings from the tall larch

That stands beside our door.

There is a blessing in the air,

Which seems a sense of joy to yield

To the bare trees, and mountains bare,

And grass in the green field."

. . . . . . . William Wordsworth 1770-1850

Still cutting daffodils - they really bring 'sunshine' into the house on these

 dull, overcast mornings.

Hard to believe February is already history, how quickly it passed.

Today, March has not 'come in like a lion' or even marched in . . . . . . . it arrived

 dragging damp feet through last night's puddles, huddled under a heavy, 

leaden sky.

But not all is gloom and doom. Birds are very busy and singing heartily in

 occasional rain showers. Early blossoms are opening so there are many 

neighborhood trees dressed in pink and white ball gowns - so pretty and uplifting.

I walked outside early morning in a damp mist to look around the garden as

 another month arrived. Full of promises as always, provoking thoughts of the

 soon to arrive beautiful spring. I must say the garden didn't disappoint at all, 

but of course will require a lot of tender loving care soon, sigh!!!

Have a lovely weekend. . . . . .