Signs of spring, and What?!!!

These several weeks, there has been much talk of signs of spring.  For me the thrill has been the liquid throat call of the red-wing blackbird from Pepper's Marsh. The abundance  of  free flowing water, in its' cacaphonous rush to the Connecticut River and then to the sea!

What I did not expect...  Driving home on Fairgrounds Road, which follows the East Branch of the Westfield River some, is wooded, windy: there in front of me was a woman standing in a wheeled rig, holding the ropes to a dog team! These white, fluffy dogs were repeatedly veering off the road, possibly seeking softer earth for their paws.

This reminded me of an Autumn in Vermont, beside the Connecticut River.  Aunt Irene and I were enjoying tea and conversation in the living room.  I was enjoying the scenery.  Down the paved road came several students from Dartmouth College.  They were on roller skates, in ski position, using ski poles to push themselves along! Dartmouth College Ski Team, in training.

So, can I expect, some winter day, to see bathing suit clad people doing backflips into snow!

Green is gaining ground over the dead yellow-browns of lawns.

Spring...continued. 

I went to the Sugar House on Sunday.  On the way to the South Face Sugar House, a Grouse hen slowly crossed the road in front of my car.  With each step, her head bobbed forward.

It was a cold day.  I parked the car, and there was snow falling! 

Spring?

Spring's Opening Curtain

Rivers roil,

ravage river banks.

Nature rushes

to be ready

for Spring's Opening Curtain.

In every rill and rivulet,

every branch and brook,

waters dance and leap;

Over rocks

Over water

as a can-can dancer

swishing petticoats

The  woodlands tune up

 with the tones of

red-brown,

and purple-gray

in tender branch and bramble.

But, where is the conductor?

Delia Nash

Spring! Colors! Smith bulb show

A myriad of colors and welcome fragrances, entrance you as you walk through the greenhouses at Smith college.

This is an Annual Event. Each March they open the Horticulture Greenhouses to the public.  Each year, I go!  An Artist's Date!

Within are gathered an array of blooming bulbs.  Freesia is my favorite fragrance! There are several Orchids, and a multitude of Tulips! 

Here and there are groups with harmonizing colors, over there, and above may be an arrangement of deep contrast to excite you! 

Plenty to see, and breathe!

A welcome signpost that Spring will be soon, and there will be flowers and trees in bloom, soft moist air, and birdsongs!

After my lingering walk through the greenhouses, I went for a walk at the pond where I found an old friend!  We had a wonderfu visit. 

                   

Just love this serendipity!

How many shades of yellow are there, anyway?

Wearing a camera around one's neck is also a way to have fun, be helpful, and meet people. 

Twice, I was asked to take photos of people with their cameras!

As you can see from the bottom photo, nature is not shy!                                                   

Yipes Stripes!

Which one is your favorite?