After several days of utterly idyllic weather – endless sun, mid-70′s, light breezes – we awoke today to not-quite-40 degrees and drizzle. While this might sound like complaint, it’s actually the opposite. The morels have just started popping up, and like so many spring ephemerals, they need water and slightly cooler temperatures to thrive. While the grass is also thriving this weekend, I’ll be out in the woods. Whistle if you need me 
One week after I photographed the lilac buds in my yard, there are officially lilac leaves on the little bush. Not only is spring early this year – there are reports of cherries blooming now, as opposed to their normal mid-May – but also it seems to be progressing pretty quickly. Since ski season is thoroughly over (a week of 80+ degrees will do that), I guess I don’t mind so much, but I do fear for the agriculture. What’s a fruit tree to do?
Yup – it’s a terrible idea. I’m doing it anyway: I officially have Spring Fever. Continue reading
For more than a week now we’ve had solid blue skies and summer-y temperatures. Add in the fall color and you get lots of pictures. We’ve been taking it pretty easy, going out on several Sunday drives – on both Saturday and Sunday – and otherwise just trekking around the neighborhood. Fortunately for us, fall is in full swing, and we sigh at its beauty daily.
Last week we took a spur-of-the-moment trip down to Ohio. Our stated goal was to get some work done on our car (check plus thanks to my brother Corey), but also to visit with family. We were regaled with tales of niece Addi’s cuteness (for instance – “…L-M-N-O-P…*gasp* Pappy!” as she looks adoringly upon my father), had dinner and a homecoming parade with Mamaw and Papaw, celebrated Phil’s 5th (decade) birthday, visited with siblings and parents, and got hugs and kisses from nephews and niece (not nearly enough of this, though!). I should also note that I got in a requisite shopping trip with Mom and Steph. 
All around, it was a great trip, and I look forward to the next chance we get for such good family times. But, as always, we’re glad to be back. Continue reading
