Why does the turtle cross the road?

Painted turtle searching for a nesting spot in our driveway.
She was unsuccessful and left for an unknown locale.

'Tis nesting season, once again. Drew found a painted turtle in our backyard this afternoon. He made sure it crawled under the back gate successfully so as not to get attacked by our big, burly, almost blind watchdog of a greyhound, Toby;-)

Weekly Weather

We are finally warming up, but are staying mostly in the 65-75 degree range, which is my preferred temperature. Although, yesterday's temp. rose to 88F, and I holed up inside as I get heat exhaustion very easily;-)

First gardening day of spring

Oh my goodness, it was a gorgeous day today. The outdoor temperature rose to about 76F; there was a light breeze, and it was sunshiny and bright. I donned my shorts and short-sleeved shirt and dug, dug, dug, dug, dug in the dirt! I planted a new azalea, one of those that could get to be 6' across and '6 high, if in the right conditions. It is a "red" one, although the flower is actually a deep coral color. It really brightens up the area behind the bird feeder. Because it is going to be in a bit of shade, I don't hold hope that it will get too big, which is fine with me.

I then planted about half of the mini-gladiolus, and ran out of potting soil. I'll plant the rest of them tomorrow (on top of, and in front of the main stump, and in front of the secondary stump.) I kind of lost the label for the red ones, so I have no idea which bulbs they are because I put them in the same tray to overwinter in the basement with a different color (but I forgot which tray I put them in)...so "Surprise!" to me when they bloom...Ha!

Then, I fertilized all the azalea plants (which are all in different stages of flowering), the rhododendron, and the blueberry plants. I need to deadhead the daffodils, but will have to do that next weekend.

We'll have to make another trip back to The Home Depot tomorrow;-) I also forgot to buy cucumber seeds and zucchini seeds, and will get them as well. Oh yes, and maybe we'll get another City Pickers Patio Garden Kit, like we got last year. I would like to use the new one for the cukes and maybe a few tomato plants. I will set it on the deck and Drew will double the height of the cage around it so the cukes have lots of space to climb. The other Garden Kit will be used for my lettuce, spinach and arugula...Yummmmmyyyyy.....

I'll try to take a few photos tomorrow, if I have time. Geez, I haven't held the camera in my hands much lately, and the last time I did, it was with the video camera out on the pond, but I haven't had time to process any video, due to too much school work. Dang, I need a 3 day weekend so that I can get everything done that needs doing, and still have time to play. Although, I consider gardening and photography playing;-) But, I can never get enough of it!

Aaaaahhhhhh Chooooo......Pollen is flying!

Whoo! Aaaaacccccchhhhhoooo! The tree pollen levels (birch and maple especially...and maybe willow...) are high at the moment.

Baltimore Oriole and Catbird sightings near bird feeders

Yesterday, Drew put grape jelly out in a feeding dish and hung it from the hummingbird feeder pole. I saw a Baltimore Oriole fly toward the feeders this morning, but it then got spooked and flew elsewhere. At least we know they have arrived. I quickly changed lenses out on the camera, but was too late for any photos.

And, the catbirds have arrived as well. I saw one taking a bath this morning. I'll get photos soon.

This week's weather

It will be a cool week with even a few more nights reaching down into the 30's again. But, there is no snow in the forecast for us, just for the higher elevations. Whew!

First Hummingbird of the season

I didn't get a photo of it before it flew away, but Drew saw the first hummer of the season at one of our feeders!

This week's weather

Gee...every time I think we'll have warmer nights, we drop back down into the 30's. UGH! At least the daytime highs are rising, although I have to work late after school on the warmest days. Double UGH! I'd rather be boating... I have to remind myself that I'll have several weeks free this summer for pleasurable activities.

Cloudy, cold and sad day

I am not having the best of days. It is cloudy, cold, and damp out. And, I am having a difficult time finding just the right way to honor my sister, as this is the one year anniversary of her death. 

Lilac buds

Last year, our lilac bush bloomed for the first time ever on this sad day, and it brightened my spirits upon arrival home several days later. This year, the cold weather has delayed the bloom. But, the flower buds are such a pretty, deep purple and the anticipation of their opening is exciting...

Trout Lily

I wandered around the yard looking for other flowers to cheer my soul. The trout lilies are in full bloom and are absolute lovely. I spent a few moments admiring their yellow beauty. They are like a ray of sunshine on this dreary day.

Daffodil

And, there are some daffodils that have survived the hard frost and snow. They do wonders for bringing light into my heart as they are some of my favorite, hardy and dependable garden flowers.

Bleeding Heart

And, last but not least, are the bleeding hearts. They are usually in full bloom by now, but this year the flowers are still forming. I love their deep red beauty and delicate structure no matter what phase of flowering they are in.

To sister, Jane, I salute you! You were always the brightest ray of sunshine to penetrate my being as we traversed our sisterly life together. Your soul radiated the beauty of all the flowers on Earth bundled together. I miss you dearly...