Winter white and a promise of Spring. . . . . . . . .

Hoping those of you who may still be digging out and trying to stay warm in

 your snow covered homes up north in the USA, Canada, and perhaps other

 far away places, will find some respite from the storms as you go about

 your weekend.

A small bird twitters on a leafless spray,

Across the snow-waste breaks a gleam of gold:

What token can I give my friend today

But February blossoms, pure and cold?

Frail gifts from Nature's half reluctant hand.....

I see the signs of Spring about the land.....

These chill snowdrops, fresh from wintry bowers,

Are forerunners of a world of flowers.

~ Sara Doudney, "Snowdrops (Consolation)," c. 1881 ~

Sending warm thoughts your way.
I don't have any snowdrops in bloom, but these daffodils are
 peeking out on a chilly but sunny morning here.

Goodbye garden. . . . . . . .

As much fun as it is to travel to far away places, leaving home has it downside.

For me waving goodbye to the garden is always hard. Having to say au revoir, 

when it's just starting to thrive in the warm springtime sunshine, brings a catch 
to my throat and even a tear to my eye as the car backs down the driveway.

Last weekend I picked parsley and scattered annual seeds. There will be no 

languishing at the garden centers this Spring, sighing over all those gorgeous 

pots of perennials just waiting for a garden spot. 

So right now the garden IS lovely, things are growing rapidly with April showers 

and warm sunshine. Although the azaleas are late this year they have bloomed and 

I've enjoyed them this past week before leaving. Above you can see the first fig

leaves appearing - by the time I return perhaps there will be tiny fruits.

The grass was mowed - hopefully it grows slowly. The neighbors will watch the 

cottage and hopefully the weather will be gentle whilst we're away, with just quiet 

breezes to blow the last of the pollen off the roof. 

I know it will look like a jungle when we return mid-May!

What do you miss most when leaving home for an extended trip?

What has happened to southern weather?

Yesterday was crazy. A foggy start and then the temperature 

shot up to 76F by mid-afternoon.  A one day heatwave!

This morning I've moved my flowers into the kitchen. Why?

Because I plan to spend a few hours here. Will enjoy them while 

cooking some comfort foods in readiness for yet another storm.

Yes, we're in the path of cold front which could bring a wintry mix of 

sleet and freezing rain later as the temperature will drop below 

freezing by mid-afternoon - my heart goes out to the evening commuters.

What a winter! I don't think I recall one this long, this cold, this 

miserable in the almost 38 years I've lived here in the southeast.

Perhaps 'south' needs to be dropped - it sure doesn't feel or look

southern around here lately.