Wonder-full Discovery Today!

Today was the best day of Spring so far, to work in the yard, cleaning up dead leaves and fallen tree branches.  With the outdoor temperature in the low 60s, an overcast sky and slight breeze, I was able to start early and get in two solid hours outside.  I planted clumps of daisies and hostas generously donated from my gardener friend, Margaret.  We both sang at a church funeral yesterday and she invited me to lunch at a barbecue restaurant, then afterwards asked if I could use some daisies, "This is the perfect time to plant them," she advised,  "I've got way too many."

My cleaning and planting resulting in a full yard materials recycle bin, I sat down on the patio, drank a diet Dr. Pepper, enjoyed the backyard, and saw all the other areas that needed my attention.  Mentally, I made a list - a very long list.  Then I strolled around the entire yard, front and back, and noted that my labor of the entire seven years I've lived in this house are finally paying off.  Most flower beds with the green leaves popping up, the shrubs, and the trees are doing very well.  The yellow daffodils and newly opened red tulips are just beautiful!

First daffodils in my yard, taken several days ago.

The red tulips are opening!  A hard rain chased me inside earlier today, so this was taken from my second-story bedroom window through a tree!

My delightful discovery: a bird nest with mama bird and two half-grown babies, right outside my dining room window!  

Last year I watched the nest daily, from the time the male and female bird started building the nest.  This year, I had my dining room curtains closed all winter and didn't even know there was a nest.  This is a real blessing!  Note to self: refill the bird feeders soon.  I kept the finch feeder going all winter and it's almost empty also.

What about you?  Are you enjoying our Spring so far this year?  My street is lined with bradford pear trees on both sides of the road.  They've just started blooming, an event I've been awaiting.  Maybe one more day and they'll be in their full glory, looking like clouds of popcorn on a stick.  It is truly wonderful to see nature waking up after such a cold, icy, bleak winter.  All over the city and countryside, the grass is bright Irish kelly green again and the trees are budding  in colors of green, pink, lilac, and white. I think my heart is waking up, too, full of energy and joy.  I want to visit with all my family and friends, and chat on the phone with the ones not nearby.

Lord, you were wise to give us a rest in the winter and give us a glorious awakening to your gorgeous nature in the Spring!  I've often thought of moving to the sea shore, to a place where there was one season, summer, but today I resolve to stay where You have planted me!  Please give us all the awareness of your love for nature and we, your children, today, Lord!  And help us spread that love and joy to all we know!