Lots of Apples?

Anyone love apples like I do?  Of course, I have my favorites but more than anything, my preference is crisp and juicy.  Nothing better than seeing in these parts of Iowa so many apple trees full of blossoms.  Does that signal an abundant apple harvest?  After many years of almost no produce, even our honey crisp trees are full of blooms.  Hooray.   Since we don't spray our trees, there is always the question of pests along with the elements; however, currently, things are looking good for some awesome fruit in the near future.  Fingers crossed.

The featured apple trees are not ours but I wanted to capture these blossom-laden trees with the dense green grass and multitude of dandelions -- all that screams SPRING!  New life.  Hope.  Warmth.  Rebirth.  Energy.  Inspiration for these crazy times along with a yummy snack in the not-too-distant future.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day Thoughts

Although many traditional Memorial Day ceremonies have been modified or canceled due to COVID -19, we still owe service men and women our ongoing gratitude. This image always moves me and speaks to this occasion when we honor so many who've given so much for us and all that we take for granted.

"We don't know them all but we owe them all."

                                                                   --Unknown

"May we think of freedom, not as the right 

to do as we please, 

but as the opportunity to do what is right."

                                                                                                                                                             --Peter Marshall

Tulip Tour

More images of some of my favorite things -- tulips.   In particular, I love the orange hues against the lush green backdrop along with the fragile feathered petals that are visible in these close-up shots.   Details do matter.

"The details are not the details, they make the design."

                                                                                                           --Charles Eames

More Tulips

As I've noted several times, flowers are some of my favorite things, including tulips.  So, if you follow this blog, there are many gorgeous images of all sorts of blooming things.  And, since tulips come this time of year and for just a short while, I want to highlight more of these beauties.

"A tulip doesn't strive to impress anyone.  

It doesn't struggle to be different than a rose.  

It doesn't have to.  It is different.  

And there's room in the garden for every flower."

                                                                                                           --Marianne Williamson

Tulip Time

Seeing these showy, bold, cup-shaped blooms springing from the soil seems like a rite of passage on the annual road to warmer weather.  For me, it's a favorite time as I adore most any blooming thing, including tulips.  With the vibrant green lawn as a backdrop, these stunning samples didn't disappoint.  Hope you've found some to admire and make your heart happy.

"Tulips were a tray of jewels."

                                                                                                                         --E.M. Forster

For Moms

"If you tend to a flower, it will bloom, 

no matter how many weeds surround it."

                                                                                                                        --Matshona Dhliwayo

Simple

Recently I sat down to put marker on paper to create a birthday sign and this is what transpired.  Cute.  Simple.  Heartwarming.  Bright.  Vibrant.  Refreshing.  Ahhh.... This was a good reminder of all the simple pleasures I so often overlook.  

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

Rejoice, for your soul is alive."

   --Eleonora Duse