Long, wide band of storms moving from deep southwest to far northeast, and as we were doing the same, rain almost all the way, some of it heavy. A little white knuckle driving in the vicinity of transports. But St Ignace achieved in plenty of time for a walk and some takeout.
…go—tomorrow morning. Somewhat, pretty-much, almost, but-you-never-are-quite—ready for the road. Sights on St Ignace.
Meanwhile, time to appreciate the witch hazel, and the lilies of the valley, and say arrivederci robin.
Yard, sidewalk, and driveway littered with birch catkins after yesterday’s storm.
Catkins on grass
Female, pistillate, flower
Male, staminate, flower dangling, with pistillate flower above.
The female flowers create little “cones” holding thousands of seeds which are released in late winter looking like pepper on snow. A big tree like ours can produce a million seed each year.
We pre-packed the vehicles just to see what would fit, and by gum, most of it did. Travel light has never been our mantra, though it does have its appeal.
Vigorous afternoon thunderstorm, welcome both as a work break and as sustenance for all the new plantings.
The transition from SAE to Metric is always a bit wrenching.
…lilacs, and concrete.
Third try in as many years—three little American hazels(or filberts), destined for greatness, and adding a corner to the front yard.
…is the theme of tonight’s blog.
Pie coming out of the oven soon. And now here it is. Too hot to handle, so tasting tomorrow.
…driveway expansion, and volleyball.
…if you like Narcisssus poeticus?
Maybe two inches of rain overnight.
This not uncommon spring weather pattern, has, I’m glad to say, exhibited itself maybe three times so far this spring. Moisture from the Gulf slides up in a wide band all the way from Rockport to Sault Ste. Marie (and points north).
Last night the band kept sliding past us here in Whitewater just a bit to the west. For an hour or two we got lightning and thunder but no rain. But then the general eastward movement of the band brought it over us and we had wind and lots of rain, making everything even greener, and, ideally filling up the big lakes.
In further news, a large and noisy flock of gold finches has descended on the neighborhood. Perhaps they were brought and dropped here by the storm.
…set up by Renee for the Merton 4-H group. Great kids, great fun, and, since each kid will be entering the county fair photo contest, a whole lot of winners.
Potential prizewinner by Ellie.
Beautiful spring shot by Maddie.
And an incredible shot by Becca who found a tiny toy tractor by a path and turned it into a certain blue ribbon.
…native trees. Sale thronged from a half hour before opening through the next two hours. Then calm and continuous, with many species sold out.
The typical chill wind and icy rain held off until 1:30.
Photos by Mimi and me.
Frost last night, but sunny and warm this afternoon.
…Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Today, unloading the trailer and sorting by species.
250 native trees for sale. I already bought one.
…actually. High wind, dramatic clouds, occasional brief shower.
And lots of blossoms on the pear tree.
…meaning time to pretend to appreciate this brilliant and successful non-native clone.
We’d like them a lot more if they were hard to grow, like blue tulips.
Another hyper-windy day.
Perfect temp for outdoor projects, but perhaps a little too sunny (at least for some of us).
Plus, just a little biking.
The cherry pie Mimi made last night sold this morning for $110 at the Center Oak 4-H auction.
And the odd thing, a smaller key lime sold for more. De gustibus non est disputandum. Great fundraiser.
Photos by RN.
Incredible amount of free energy passing by day after day. A short bike ride proved to be an exciting challenge, with an occasional emphatic boost from behind.
Serviceberry
Coming up with a recipe and procedure that seems suitable
1. where we went for breakfast with our Whitewater neighbors,
2. right on the edge of Kettle Moraine horse country. This section of the state forest features horse trails and horse campgrounds. Downtown Palmyra actually has hitching posts.
Chilly and damp.