Signs of Spring...

But winter's still hanging on.

As the sun comes up this morning the field behind the house sparkles with one of the few frosts of this winter season. And this comes after what appeared to be a beautiful spring weekend. Even with the morning dew freezing on the grass though, the forecast for the week is for more of the beautiful weather.

I spent some time wandering around the yard documenting some of the signs of spring that were showing yesterday. I also spent some time just sitting on the still dormant grass, soaking up the sun and watching the birds play.

It's already apple blossom time here...

But then it seems it almost always is. The poor apple trees can't seem to figure out when it's time to be apple trees around here.

Azaleas are blooming...

But only under the cover of the trees around the house.

Unopened blossoms.

Out under the trees.

Covered with these buds. Give it a week.

The Redbud in the front yard.

Later than some because it isn't in full sun.

Closeup of Redbud bud.

Fables should lead our way...

 I started on Friday with Fragmented Fred and "Tale of a Farmer from Erehwon", today Leon joined the game with his Poison Lion. Both tales have meanings that could teach us all a thing or two.

Fred's starts this way...

When we expose our greatest hopes and precious things to strangers, we may be thought a fool. But the ordinary treasures we share may touch lives in ways we cannot imagine. This is the tale of one hopeful fool.
He prepared them lovingly, his precious mementos and carefully pressed flowers. He arranged them prominently on simple benches near the road. Just beyond, by the barn, a rough oak plank set across two tree stumps formed a crude table to display all manner of clippings and cards that flapped in the breeze-some brittle and yellow with age, others crisp and white from yesterday's journal.

Source: Foolish Farmer of Erehwon

Leon starts his tale like this...

The Poison Lion

Once upon a time, two pretty nice little children lived at the edge of a great dark forest. They often roamed in the forest in search of adventure.

One day while walking along a woody path they met a large shaggy lion with a sad face, and they were afraid, and they ran away.

But the lion called to them and said, "Come back. I won't hurt you. I need friends."

So they went back and sat with the lion and saw his sad face. And they asked, "Why is your face so sad?"

Source: Leon Hale: Putting the kids' favorite tale on paper

Now I am sure this is nothing but the synchronicity of my life that two people I read regularly decide this is the week to delve into the world of fables...Go have a return trip to childhood and read a quick tale of dreams and heroes.

And then, go forth and enjoy the day.