Spring Has Sprung

Well, we made it to spring. Actually, we made it about a week ago, but I can't seem to get motivated to post something more frequently. So, until we start traveling again or something exciting happens around here, I'll just post when the spirit moves me. By the way, some of the pictures below were taken over a week ago, and things change quite a bit this time of year in just a day or two.

This is a great time of year, isn't it. Now, autumn is my absolute favorite time of year, but spring is pretty nice. The nights are warming, the days are warming, the grass is turning green and beginning to grow, and the flowers and trees are putting out new growth and color. It's great to be able to get back outside after a cold winter, and this winter was quite cold for our area.

This beautifully shaped tree is just a few houses up our street. It will be completely full in another few days.

The oak in our backyard is leafing out. Note the rising moon to the left.

During my regular walks, I have seen numerous trees leafing out. I especially enjoy the little redbud trees and their beautiful color. I do miss the wisteria, dogwoods, and daffodils of East Texas, but I can make do with what I find out here.

Close-up of picture above, with partial moon on left.

We continue to have periodic rain. Of course, we are always on the alert for violent weather. A couple of nights ago, both of our phones sounded an alert for blowing dust. Darn! I had just washed off the back patio and cleaned off the front patio. Sure enough, when I went out the next day, there was another layer of dirt on our patio furniture. I just wiped it off with a damp cloth this time, as we will probably have more dirt blowing around with the steady winds we continue to enjoy. We've not received much rain, probably less than an inch total in the 3 rains we've enjoyed so far. 

Ducks flying in formation in a northerly direction over our house.

I've done some other little springtime chores, like pruning back some potted plants and some plants in the flower beds. The "big freeze" really put some hurt on our rosemary plants. I think they will revive. I'm taking the opportunity to experiment. I'm pruning some a little, some a lot, and leaving some alone just to see what happens. I cleaned out the mint bed and pruned it almost to the ground. Dynamite wouldn't hurt that stuff, but it certainly is good in tea.

On a recent walk in our community, I heard a bird barking at me. Then I spotted this hawk keeping an eye on me. We've had a family of hawks in the neighborhood for a few years now, and they are really active. A few days later, I saw one perched atop the steeple at the neighborhood church.

Last Sunday, Donna and I went out to our state park for the first time in ages to take a walk. We walked the Roadrunner loop trail near the south entrance. This is a 3-mile trail that weaves through mesquite and cactus. At the time, there was very little in bloom, but we did get to see some longhorns.

I love how perfectly symmetrical the horns on this steer are. He posed nicely for us.

On our walk in the park, we passed this campground with part of the lake in the background. Scenes like this really make us want to get another RV and take off. I think Courtney would kill us if we did, though. She thinks we are rather feeble, both mentally and physically.

The other morning, I was walking west when I suddenly turned and noticed the sun rising above the homes in our community behind me. I thought this was a nice shot. It was an overcast morning, as you can see.

I hope all of you are doing well.