Something About Flowers After the Rain

The Rain Robed Blossoms of Spring...
Ponds are Full, and Creeks are Still Flowing..
Nectarine and Plum in Full Bloom...

Pear in Bud...
Study in Narcissus...
I'm a Morning Grrl...Below, More Raindrop Focus....
It has been a great month. I've managed to prune nearly all the fruit trees, except I will still need nearly one whole day to prune the Granny Smith -think b-4 you plant - standard trees are HUGE!! Preparations are underway to receive the bees, due to arrive April 10, and I'm nearly set to begin to plant the new vines, er, just one fence to erect first. That's my Homestead Aerobics; 30-40 fence posts manually hauled here and there, then pound each one into the ground about 3 feet. Must dig a few 3 ft deep post holes for the corners and gates too. Oh joy. I really love the many different, bright and cheery bulbs that are blooming everywhere right now. Even on the coldest days, the daffodil seems to glow golden, with sunshine from within. It's magic. The plums are in full array, the pears are starting to pop, and even the cherries and apples are starting to think about joining the fun. But temps have been on the cool side. In fact, there was visible frost two mornings in a row which is not such great weather, if you are a bee. We shall see. As the old timers say; " Ya never know."

Race Obsessed

I've been following closely and blogging quite a bit on the All Alaska Sweepstakes; which for the most part is over. I have so many beautiful spring photos to upload; the outdoors is truly a work of art right now. But I'm real busy working, riding, and worrying/blogging about Lance's Dog!!....Read it to learn more. More blog worthy coverage of the AAS HERE. Another great AAS blog from which the photo above came, is HERE. Photo above, is Lance Mackey coming into Nome in the AAS. ©2008 Jan DeNapoli Below, from Lance's website; Lance with Zorro. ADDENDUM: This very touching and adorable shot was taken by Helen Hegener. Thanks to the folks at Comeback and Dew Claw Kennels for their use. Sorry but that's all for now. Hope to be back here soon. In the meantime, see you on the trail...

Equinox '08

Cilantro...Also known as Coriander. Cilantro is a quick and easy green for the garden. It adds amazing flavor to everything you add it to. It is a short season herb and is done in about 5 weeks, with full seed formation by 12 - so plant some every few weeks for fresh cilantro through the summer. Notice the little seed hull clinging to the first leaves. Below, some dew kissed luck of the Irish...Calendula...I love the deep colors in these frosty days of spring.
Daffodils Delight Me...Below, Pear and Plum continue the show...Early Lettuce...Below Wild Flower..
Columbine, Cradling a Drop of Dew...Below, Willow Tree Sprouts Out, Green and Frilly...
We were blessed with a good dose of rain, and it is beginning to feel very springlike. Today started out foggy and cold. It cleared up eventually but didn't really warm up, which is my favorite working weather.The moon is full on this, the first eve of spring. I'm grateful for the returning light.

Snow, Rain and Sun

Plum Blossoms Heavy With Slushy Snow...Early Morning Cold and Snowy...
Visiting Pups...We had an exciting visit from our city pups and a good time was had by all. Snoopy continues to practice his social skills. What little aggression was displayed was easily quelled with Mr. Leave It, which consists of a small spray bottle. I needn't even spray it every time. Simply showing it to Snoopy, and asking him "Who's a leave it?" would cause him to turn tail and look away! He spent a lot of time each day just herding DJ, who is 75 lbs - and did not take too kindly to being circled endlessly...Patient dalmation/black lab that he is, he put up with it quite nicely. Good dog! Good teacher. Thank you DJ. Come back soon. Below, pups frolic in light snow.
It is spring all over. Despite the whiteness in these shots, the hills are green; trees and flowers bloom. My favorite time of day to shoot photos is late afternoon and just before sunset and lately I've been lucky to catch some sweet light. The passing showers and drifting clouds make for interesting spring visuals. Today brings rain and chill temps. More real soon. Below, TYKE really smiles.