We’re weeks past the Vernal Equinox, but it’s only in the last few days that I’ve been convinced that spring truly has arrived.  I’ve learned not to trust calendar dates or average frost dates.  Instead, I wait for certain signs from nature and not just one bloom or one particular plant.  Mother Nature tricks plants
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The woods here are greening.  In the understory the wild rose bushes, buckbrush, and honeysuckle vines are leafing out.  The willows and elms already have tiny leaves, and even the buds on the oaks are swelling.  Oddly, these signs of spring have made me realize something I’ll miss about winter.    I’ll miss the tree
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We’re calling this the volcano tree. It ‘erupted’ this afternoon while I was crossing my neighbor’s pasture to check on a couple of hot spots left from Tuesday’s fire. I heard a loud crackling and looked across the pond just in time to watch the top blow off this tree. Okay, maybe it didn’t exactly
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This big old post oak straddles a fenceline between two small pastures. Right now, the wire gate is open, allowing free egress. I love the oak’s shape, the untidy cluster of thick branches, some worn-out, damaged and nearly dead, others strong and healthy. We writers could shape interesting analogies around an oak like this. Photo
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