Spring has sprung!

After the awfulness (and awe-fullness) of the late snow, spring flowers are blooming, and the spring frogs are singing.  (I've been experimenting with using the cell phone for photos...so far I like my Canon G12 better, but the phone is easier.)

Snow in May

Yes, snow in May! I had to drive slowly through the sloppy mess last night. The lines were covered with snow on our county road, though a little further south and west was a mix of rain and snow. The snow's still melting at 11 am here (photos from 7 am). The weather is never boring in Minnesota!

First Flowers

I'm a few days late for posting (technology! migraine! work!), but welcome to Siberian squill blooming in my yard.  I'm impressed that these flowers bloom a couple of weeks after everything was covered in an icy, snowy blanket. Also, I've planted some grass seed, which is slowing sprouting...and providing extra food for the birds. 

Blizzard!

The trees weave like drunken sports fans. The wind blows the snow sideways. Is it snow? It's also rain, sleet, hail, and tiny pellets of icy precipitation. The thunder rumbles. No travel is advised. Ah yes, April in Minnesota. I remember fondly the warm temps (81F one day!) and blooming trees and tulips from last weekend's visit to St. Louis. 

Frustrating yet beautiful

This brutal Minnesota winter has tried the very best of us with its record-breaking cold and snow. I fear it has affected both my physical and mental health because I haven't been able to get my soul-refreshing outdoor walks due to the cold and ice. Yet even as we're clearing out the nine inches of snow from last night, I'm reminded how lung-achingly magnificent it is. 

Polar Vortex

We've got the furnace running, the faucet dripping (to prevent frozen pipes), and the humidfier blowing mist into the air. It's still not enough. The house's air temperature is 58F, even though the thermostat is set at 70F.

It's crazy cold. This thermometer is not accurate, but it gives you an idea of the cold. It should read around -31F.

Zinnias

When buying seeds this year, may I recommend zinnias? They're easy to grow from seed and take little effort. They're hearty and colorful. This winter, let me remind you of how they grow...

 

 

This is not the end, only a beginning. That center is full of seeds for spring. And now is the time to buy seeds. Happy garden dreams to you!