The Fruit of One's Efforts

The daffodils and crocuses that we planted last Fall/Winter have blossomed. All the sweat equity has brought forth some beauty along our road. I know it is always a joy for me to see the flowers that someone else has planted along the roadside. So I hope the brightness of daffys brings some joy to others.

Earlier today we had a hawk perching on a limb above the bird feeder. It could have been a Cooper's or Sharp Shinned Hawk It had to be an immature bird because most of these types of birds wait in a higher spot and use their amazing speed to swoop down on their prey. Taxonomically, they are both in the same order as falcons. They are swift and have taken a number of songbirds from the feeder. Yesterday I was talking with a friend and over her shoulder a dark bird went zipping by and then a couple downy feathers were floating on the winds. Later in the day, while cutting the land I saw a few feathers from a Scrub Jay. The birds have been staying away from the feeder for long periods of time and it is probably because a bird of prey is hanging around... not to mention a cat that hangs out in the underbrush (blackberry and willow) waiting for an opportunity.

The first tulip bulb has begun to show its colors, the Begonias are getting quite tall, one of the asparagus is already 8 inches high, an Asian pear has a number of blossoms on it (they were planted in November). Yesterday was a beautiful day- got to get outside and see the wild strawberries in bloom and the daisies.

The rain keeps coming down, yesterday was a respite from it, and it looks like most of the week will be wet. Glad I got out and mowed the lawn. It takes a couple of hours to cut the space we want as lawn though it is mostly native grasses and plants. It does look neat and tidy once it is mown. There is something about the spring and mown grass that has found memories for me.

Well... that's all for tonight. Be well.