Today was the first “summer-like” day of 2014 here in Michigan. The bugs were buzzing, the birds were singing, the flowers blooming, and the sun was shining. A perfect day to be outside enjoying the gifts of nature.
A ladybug checking out my laundry hanging on the line.
Hanging laundry on the line, spreading fresh mulch in the flower beds, cleaning out the gardens — and way too much sun. I always forget the sunscreen on the first summery day of the year — one of these days I’ll remember, just not today
Mr. Robin watching as I worked.
It was amazing how many birds were hanging around and chirping. It was borderline “loud.” The game of chase that the wood sparrows played, the red-tailed hawks soaring high above my head, and the blue jays squawking in the trees, and the chimney swifts darting about kept me company all day long.
The first open blossom on the plum tree. Looks like I’m canning plums this summer!
There are a ton of flowers itching to bloom. I bet by tomorrow there will be lots more blooming.
The bloom I took a picture of opened up early afternoon and I had to stand on a ladder to get it. It was the only one open on the whole tree. By the end of the day the tree had at least 50 blooms wide open.
The bulbs around the plum tree continue to grow and although they are few, their scent fills the back patio with sweetness.
The lawn needs cutting, but because of the terrible storms we had last night, it was too drenched to try. My husband is not going to be happy because the dandelions are getting ready to seed. I think it looks pretty, even if it does mean we’ll have yellow in our lawn all summer. Some weeds are just too pretty to be without.
Maybe tomorrow this dandelion will have a puff for a neighbor — then I can make a wish!
The lilacs are still not blooming, but one particular bumblebee keeps visiting — waiting for those tiny flowers to open up for him to suck out the sweet nectar. I tried really hard to get him to turn around for a picture, but he was not very cooperative. I sort of felt like he was mooning me.
It was a great day to add fresh mulch to the flower beds and clean out a few small garden spots. If the weather holds, tomorrow I’ll tackle the big garden so it will be ready for planting mid-month. For now, I am happy that the plum tree has flowers so we’ll have plums for fresh plum pie, plum pie filling, and plums in syrup, and for this I am — Simply Grateful.
Simply Grateful Housewife 