searching for spring

It's a gorgeous, sunny, warm day today, one of the best days we've had yet this spring. 

Just a perfect day to be out and about. 

I did some work in the yard, clearing away leaves, uncovering my tulips in the flower bed, and checking to see if the rhubarb or peonies are poking up yet. 

Happy to find, everything is starting to sprout up already! 

The neighbor's flamingos seem to have made it through the long cold winter. 

I think they're enjoying the sunshine. 

Hydrangeas from last season, just waiting to be clipped down and start anew. 

And when you lose a giant old tree in the yard, 

sometimes you can give the stump a new purpose. 

out for a walk

Recently my good friend Natalie has been challenging me to not only get outside for my daily walk, but to take my camera with me, and report back with what I see. A good challenge actually, and I'm happy to do it. It's making me look for beauty, for things of interest, for details, instead of just seeing the sand, salt and grit that's everywhere right now. 

Evergreens - so thankful to see anything green right now, plus pine cones! Bonus :) 

A neighbor's retaining wall, built with logs.

Loved the classic VW, the paint job, the pallets, but especially the bumper sticker 

that reads: "Some assembly required." 

The thick bark on a tree. Not seeing a lot of buds or leaves yet, but trees are always interesting. 

And this paw print... Maybe a neighborhood Yeti? 

the shine of winter

Spring is almost here. Winter is melting quickly away. People are coming out of hibernation, and enjoying the sunshine and warmer days. It all feels new and fresh. 

But this last bit of winter has also been really beautiful. 

The sunlight sparkling on a light flurry of snow. 

Birds rebuilding their nests, and readying for new eggs. 

 Icicles sparkling in the daylight, as they melt and drip from the roof. 

 And catching the glisten of winter lights, still hanging from the eaves. As much as I am ready for the beauty of spring, I can still appreciate the last images of winter.