springing along

I spotted my first early Spring bloom!! My favorite crocus is oddly named Ruby Giant. It is neither ruby nor giant. I've grown these lovelies for decades. This early small blooming group is growing in a southern facing "hot spot" garden bed area that borders our house.

3.24.25

3.25.25

Many other types of bulbs in this bed are cautiously poking up a little more every day. I have to be careful where I step! In other areas, my bulbs have either just started to surface or continue safely covered. Waiting for more moisture and warmth. Same with my perennials.

While taking the Labs for our daily walkee, I gave thought to the pending warm up that causes an EXPLOSION of short lived Spring blooming color. Giving way to more heat tolerant perennials & annuals. 

.....................

Very close to the same area a cardinal was recently singing a melody to me, a winged wonder did a curvy dip and dive fluttering past ~ right in front of me. I was stunned!! Off it went! As butterflies often do. 

I tried to keep my eye on the early Spring winged wonder. I fumbled with my phone, while trying to keep the dogs away. I cannot tell you how many nature shots the dogs ruin for me! My apologies for my wobbling bobbling videography skills. 

Mourning Cloak Butterfly
3.25.25 (35 secs)

It seems too early and cold to see butterflies. We are still dipping down into the mid 20's (F) some nights.

Most of nature is not as colorful with age. Mourning Cloak are no exception. I still find them interesting! They live 10+ months and are among the first butterflies to emerge in the Spring. Lotsa info online, including about their symbolism that revolves around transformation. 

"While named for mourning, they are a sign of renewal and hope,
as they symbolize the arrival of spring." 

~~~

"Live your life now"

Interestingly, I posted about the very same first two Spring sightings about two weeks later in the season (April 9th, 2023). Things that make you wonder and go...hmmm?

spring sunning

First Calendar Day of Spring

3.20.25

early morning view through our window

spring snow quickly melts

beads of water droplets caught my eye

I took the labs for a late afternoon walk, on the first sunny day of Spring.

Hopee

She frequently joins up with us on walks, our most photographed horse.

this will be a big year of growth

spring light is so varied and inviting

listening is important

Upon the hill I heard then saw, a bright red cardinal singing. 

The bird was perched high in the trees, looking down at me.

It sang and sang as if to say, I am still here with you today.

3.20.25

The very next day, not a sign of snow anywhere.

Harmony, Hope and Koda

3.21.25

Nemo joined the spring sunning

Padame update

Per Shirley's request, here is a Padame update: 

Not much has changed since my last update on her, other than Padame came up lame again. After more vet lameness visits, special padded shoes (a type of Navicular shoe) she was once again taken out of training to heal and then rehab. Padame recovered faster the second time.

I am happy to say as of this post Padame is sound.

Our farrier was at our place last week and I learned that Padame doesn't have much depth to her hoof. Her toe grows straight out. Koda also does not have much depth and a similar growth pattern, although he said not as severe as Padame's. Koda's lameness is likely a different unresolved issue.

Brad rode Padame for the first time in a long time last week. They are restarting their partnership. Again. Let me be clear, her lameness is not anyones fault. Especially not Padame's. As Brad always tells me with less than ideal horse situations "this is all part of it". He handles horse set backs better than I do.

I feel bad for Brad who really wants to live his dream and be actively showing again. Ideally with a horse he has bonded with. We are not getting any younger! The last year he did was in 2019 with Cierra. She was retired a year later in 2020 due to Covid causing cancelled shows. He had hoped to show Cierra one more year. It created a longer than planned break from showing.

Brad just hasn't had a chance to get back to showing, or foster the growth and accomplishment that comes with building a solid partnership. Again, no ones fault. I am hopeful he will eventually have a special bond with Padame and be able to fully show her. She is an amazing horse! It will take time and consistent showing. With a quickly approaching show season, it would be unrealistic to expect this year. Perhaps towards the end of the show season.

I truly hope lameness doesn't plague Padame off/on. Brad won't jeopardize her long term health in order to show. The horse always comes first.

Thank you for asking Shirley. Hopefully I will have a brighter update and some new photos of his very pretty chocolate palomino girl.

Padame as a two year old

 (re-sharing from 3/2021 a month after she became ours)

finding green

When light filters through the tree's in our woods, it brings shaded nature to life. Especially in March. Rusty colored pine needles mixed with brown oak leaves blanket the ground. The combination makes bright green stumps pop! It was fun finding green on our St. Patty's Day walk.

Stumps are a good place to look for leprechauns. However, I didn't find any. Probably a good thing, since they are known for being mischievous.

Not a bear, it is a Remi

Tank (between trees, far left)

Our old man Jameson

I found six four leaf clovers on our land in 2024. They were all green when found/picked.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Wishing you all the Luck O' the Irish!