Isn’t it amazing how something small can change the look of a room? I love my vintage, lacy curtains. But, I decided I would like a wee change. So, the kids helped me take them down. I cleaned the counters around them and washed those tall windows. Our home faces south, meaning we get lots of sunshine and, even in winter, the heat can be too warm. But, the views are lovely.

Right outside my kitchen windows is a maple tree. An ash tree once stood there, but a few years ago our farm was attacked by the Emerald Ash Borer and we lost 9 full grown trees. Yuck. I hated losing such a huge, shady tree out front. So, as soon as I could, I went to our local nursery and bought both a maple and redbud to replace it.

The tree has grown in the past few years and My Wren comes back to nest here every year. She loves to sing as she and her mate build their nest in our birdhouse. I always listen for her because I hear her well before I see her tiny body flitting around, building. It is such a beautiful sign of spring! I should name her… We have also seen our goldfinches dressed in their yellow feathers, hopping around the yard. Robins have been back for over a month now!

I also have a dogwood tree growing out front! Being from the south, dogwoods are such a part of what I know and remember. I went to Tennessee recently to visit my grandparents and stayed at a dear friend’s grandmothers’ home! Her grandmother had passed away, but they graciously welcomed me to stay. The dogwoods around her house we magnificent (her favorite as seen in artwork, china mugs, and drawings throughout her home). I saw these pink or white beauties all along my southern drive and decided I needed not only the white Kousa variety I had planted, but surely a gorgeous pink dogwood would love to live at our farm.

Another spring perennial we enjoy are the Irises. My dad always calls them flags. And, they are the state flower of Tennessee. We have purple ones here. I had some white ones my Sweet Husband’s grandma had planted, but they must have died out. My mother-in-law has some lovely varieties next door as well.

Signs of spring are all around us! What are you enjoying today?

Time to Rise by Robert Louis Stevenson

A birdie with a yellow bill

Hopped upon my window sill,

Cocked his shining eye and said:

“Ain’t you ‘shamed, you sleep-head!”