I Want to Share the Perfume of Our Cherry Tree

My favorite tree on our property is probably the Canada Red Cherry tree we planted shortly after we moved here. It has grown a lot over the years and is visible from several windows in the house. Right now, it is in full bloom and buzzing with the activity of visiting birds and bees.

I wish I could share the intoxicating fragrance from these blossoms with you, but instead, I am publishing this photo for you to see. Isn't it beautiful?

You may have actually seen a photo or two of this tree before. I've published pictures of it several times here on this blog.  For example, it appeared in these two posts:

Mayday, mayday, I can't believe it is already May 1st!

Busy as a Bee

Spring is here in Montana, and the landscape is becoming really green. I'm actually thinking it might be safe to take the snow tires off the cars next week! (You can read about why I always wait until May to switch our tires out in a post I wrote about winter driving and my car sliding off the driveway by clicking here. 

I hope you are having a wonderful day - and I am sorry I can't share the delightful scent that is wafting through my open windows with you today.

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Has Spring in Montana Finally Sprung?

It feels like Spring may finally have arrived in the mountains of Montana - at least until the next May winter storm!  It was even warm and sunny at the soccer fields this morning.

Last Monday I posted a photo of the daffodils in my flower bed.  Weighted down by frost and snow, only one was blooming and it was very droopy.  I am happy to report that this cheery little crowd brushed themselves off, and have been making me smile every time I look out my kitchen window.

Daffodils or narcissus?  I really don't know the difference.

Two years ago I planted 50 tulip bulbs.  Well, I planted about 35 of them.  Tired of trying to dig holes in the rocky soil and with snowflakes beginning to flurry, I just buried the remaining 15 in one of my fenced, raised beds. Last fall, wanting that garden spot for something else, I moved all those tulip bulbs to another part of our property.

These tulips bloomed in spite of my efforts!

Or so I thought!  Apparently, I missed four.  When I walked around the corner of our house yesterday, I was surprised to see these vibrant blooms.  They are poking up through the tomato fencing I had stored on top of the raised bed for the winter.  I couldn't help but laugh.  These are the only tulip flowers on our property this year - the deer demolished the rest!  

Tulips are my favorite flower, but if I plant any more spring bulbs, it will not be tulips.  Apparently, the deer really love them too!

Can anyone tell me the difference between a daffodil and a narcissus?

It's Spring, But Ski Season Isn't Over Everywhere Just Yet!

In much of North America, this has felt like the winter without an end.  Many people have become tired of snow and cold temperatures.  Spring just hasn't come quickly enough.

Except, perhaps, for skiers.

Lone Peak, Big Sky Resort, Montana

This week marks the end of ski season at some ski resorts.  You and your family may be heading out for one last chance to ski before next winter.  Spring skiing can be a pleasant experience, with sunny skies and warmer temperatures than during the winter months.  It still takes some planning though, to be sure you have the appropriate attire and gear.

In January, I had an article published on Yahoo Voices called, “How to Dress For Skiing So You Are Warm, Comfortable and Safe.”  I'm mentioning it now, as it might be a helpful reference* for anyone planning one last ski trip this year.  Be especially sure to remember the sunscreen!

Whatever your plans this weekend, be safe and have fun!

What time of year to you prefer to ski?  Do you have a favorite place to go?

*10/4/14 NOTE: The link to the article mentioned does not currently work, as the site it was published on is no longer in existence.  I apologize for this inconvenience, and when I republish it this winter, I will update the link.