The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created Spring. ~Bern Williams, English moral philosopher
While the Illinois Governor has declared yet another month of lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, he can’t stop the arrival of Spring.
I managed to get outside the other day and was amazed at how many trees and flowers are in bloom, how pretty the day was, and how few people were enjoying it!
Take a look, won’t you?
Spring is sooner recognized by plants than by men. ~Chinese Proverb
I’m up to my ears in web design projects right now, but I figured if I didn’t get these Spring photos posted, it might be Summer before I come up for a deep breath!
We’ve been fighting our share of wind, rain, and coolish temperatures, but Mother Nature knows it’s time to put on her striking glory. See if you don’t agree:
Not sure but I think this might be a magnolia. Yes, we have them here! This one was in a little park outside of the business district.
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb
Here in Central Illinois, we’ve come to accept that “spring” really doesn’t arrive until May 15.
Just this past Saturday, we had a mix of rain, sleet, and snow (thankfully, it didn’t stick!).
Can you stand more pictures of Spring in Central Illinois?
I hope so, for I wanted to share these before the weather gets too hot and the newness wears off! Please enjoy:
Those who forecast the weather are gloating over a recent break in our Midwestern heat (like they had something to do with it!)
Temps that were hanging in the high 90s and low 100s have dropped — finally! — to a more reasonable low 90s.
So far, so good. What they fail to mention is how dry it is.
I’m not a farmer, and I can’t find any data to corroborate this, but I’m calling it a drought. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it probably is a duck!
While parts of Illinois benefited from the passage of a cold front (and its accompanying storms), we did not. No rain for weeks on end.
Oddly enough, our plants seem to recognize the difference between Mother Nature’s drenching and the stream from a garden hose.
Since a picture is better than my rambling and complaining about it, take a look and see for yourself:
Wonder if our Kentucky Bluegrass will turn green again?
Big ole cracks where grass is supposed to be
This redbud, I’m afraid, has seen its last days
Weeds seem to love this dry heat!
Now, lest you think all is lost, let me contrast this dire picture with some that show what happens when plants do get water (even if it’s from a hose!):
Aren’t these beautiful and happy-looking?
Snapdragons in full bloom love the sun
Vinca, another sun-loving flower
My crepe myrtle — yes, it should be pruned, but that’s a chore for late winter. Isn’t it magnificent, though?
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 