Everything is in full bud right now, all around us. The photos here are actually a few days old, and the environment just keeps getting greener and greener. I've noticed that the grapevines are starting to be covered with leaf buds too.
Many of the trees around here are covered with the flower features called catkins (chatons in French) at this time of year. I guess they're catkins because they have that cat tail look. They make good photography subjects, especially for macro shots.
Weather reports say we are going to have a fairly dry week, so we and all the other local gardeners — that means a large proportion of the population — will be able to get out and start working in our yards again. The vegetable garden needs attention, but it's been just too muddy.
It's probably still too muddy for very much tilling, but maybe by Wednesday or Thursday it'll dry out. It's cold this morning, almost down to freezing, but at least it's not raining. Or snowing!
Callie, for one, is really looking forward to summer. Despite her twice-daily trots around the vineyard, she's bored. I guess you'd call it doghouse fever — our house is her doghouse. When the poor canine does get to spend a nice hour or two outside in the yard, you can tell she's less antsy.
Does chatons also mean kittens? I think that's the meaning in Canada.
ReplyDeleteDo you have forsythia in your neck of the woods? They're always early bloomers.
Chaton does mean kitten, and yes, we have two forsythia bushes in our back yard. They are in full flower but I haven't gotten around to posting photos of them. I see them all around the area right now.
DeleteYes, the chatons, which then wreak havoc in the pool!
ReplyDeleteLOL, maybe having a pool just isn't worth it!
DeleteMy husband and I were just marveling at how much things change in two weeks, this time of year. Where all was just a swath of black mulch two weeks ago, all is now covered in green. Hostas, especially --- most are up and fully open. Lots and lots of other green and red and yellow everywhere. Just delightful :)
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear that you and the Rossis have met in person!! Bill would have been thrilled to hear it. I'm still following your blog, and Walt's, every day. Each day, I'm delighted by your posts and photos, and as charmed as I've ever been by your chronicles of your lives. Thanks for keeping me entertained for quite a few years now! It's hard to believe that Bill's been gone for five years already, isn't it? Fondly, and always with best wishes . . .
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, thanks for your message. We did enjoy meeting Bob and Ann in person. It is really hard to comprehend that five years have passed now... Time just goes faster and faster. All the best to you and yours.
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