We are home this morning because it is storming outdoors, or at least what passes for a storm here in the mountains. Rather than the furious rain and done type we are accustomed to in Orlando, here it drizzles, rains hard for a minute and goes back to drizzling for hours at a time. Unlike some storms since we have been here, this one has been accompanied by booming thunder and lightening which seems to echo off the mountains. I'm digging it, however, I sure hope it does not disrupt the copious amount of blossoms that are sprouting, seemingly overnight. Sometime in the past, Bradford Pear trees, back when they were considered a perfect tree for community planting, were planted along Hiwassee Street to honor maybe veterans? I'm not entirely sure on the details, but nonetheless, they are a striking feature as you head into town. Along a curved road that borders the river of the same name, for months on end they were merely sticks in the air. And then, one day they were not.
While they look marvelous in their summer green, they look exceptional in the spring white! This is only about a third of said trees but they are not the only ones in town that are blooming like mad.
As you can imagine, I am going crazy. Pictured above is a huge white Magnolia tree, unfortunately planted alongside a park storage area, as are the four pink Magnolias jammed up beside the white one. Talk about full of blooms!
And to think this beauty came from this.
A few weeks ago while rambling in the park, I came across the buds and thought it would be fun to see what happened next. What happened next proved to be glorious, didn't it?
Over the years, and I suspect you've seen the same, someone will show a photo of the same tree in all seasons which I have always thought was neat. Having witnessed it in person I now think it is marvelous. The colors, after months of grey or brown are just unreal. An example is this pictured Forsythia plant, one of dozens I have seen blooming all over town.
About the same color as our yellow Tabebuia trees back home, soon we will have one too. In fact it is about that same size but only now starting to bud out. We bought some hanging baskets to enjoy and I said to Bruce that the entry was just made for them.
Next time I show you this same scene the yellow blooms will be overwhelming and I mean that in a very good way.
Most certainly I hope you have enjoyed your front row seat in bird watching because I can't promise anything in the coming months, what with the leaves returning. In the meantime, let us enjoy the view while we can. This little Carolina Wren was trying to keep warm the other morning when it was very cold and windy. Isn't it cute how they puff up?
Does it surprise you that I've added another feeding station? It shouldn't. Goldfinch are supposed to love Nyger seed which is what is in that sock thing, but to tell you the truth it is the Siskens that seem to like it the most here on Warren Drive.
In other bird news, we are watching the male Goldfinch molt and become the sunny lemon yellow people are most familiar with.
As a reminder, here is one of last Summer's flock.
So how awesome is this? Watching the trees change, the birds, and soon the deer will sport their beautiful caramel color again.
John is curing his beautiful hand made furniture in the sun. I believe it is next month that there will be a county-wide art tour where folks will have a map to visit artists studios, one of which will be John's below our living space. That should be neat.
Well, it is time to talk about our wonderful Bluebirds. You knew that was coming and were looking forward to it no doubt. Or were you? If nothing else, surely you can appreciate the blooming tree.
Is this a kiss, or the passing of a tasty bug?
The indigo blue of the male is a sight to behold.
Pinch me friends, I've gone to heaven!
Before long they will have a good place to hide when the leaves come all the way out, something I am and am not looking forward to.
I finally felt confidant enough in the kitchen here to host guests. I am darn slow though, spending far too much time doing everything.
Unlike at home where serving platters are readily available, here I am learning to make do. Tammy and John, naturally loved the cottage as anyone in their right mind would, all thanks to Charlotte, John and Laura.
A lovely time was had by all, or so it seemed.
So it is not like we don't have beautiful color in Florida, it is just that the change is not nearly as dramatic because so many trees stay green year round. For some unknown reason, this photo was on my desktop featuring the beautiful pink Tabebuia trees that are so prevalent in Central Florida. Perhaps because I took so many of this sort of photograph? Or was it AI? Now that is a scary thought.
Nonetheless, the pink reflection in the lake is pretty cool that's for sure. Here are some pink trees I came across here taken during the rain.
Lucky for us, when John and Laura built their beautiful home, they planted an orchard with 12 fruit trees and called their home, The Orchard House. Seeing as they are right out front, we are getting a front row seat to the wonder of a group of trees beginning to bloom with lovely pink flowers.
Rest assured, this is just the beginning of me posting this glorious happening. Oh my!
Let's head downtown and a nice shot of our church with the bare trees behind it. How long that will last is a mystery to me, but you will be the first to know when the evidence unfolds.
Following the service last Sunday we had lunch with some new friends, a couple from Sanford with a home here, Randy on the left, and David on the right. Both were former teachers in Seminole County.
The number of former teachers we have met here is a lot. Seemingly, every other person is either from Florida or a former teacher!
Continuing down the street, is a charming church and the elementary school on the left. While the school is not easy to see, the giant blooming trees sure are. The post office is on the right. All very, very compact.
Just around the bend on the left are the pickleball courts and the river. All this is but two miles or so from the cottage.
Extra, extra, read all about it!!!
Mr. Peck, AKA, the love of my life, is going before the County Commission on Monday night!!!
Say what?
The long time players at the courts have done amazing things with both their time and talent, including building a covered pavillion featuring a storage room and a bathroom, almost all done with donations. Since we have been here we have played a very, very small role on the donation front. Anyway, take a look at the courts.
You might note that they are separated by tennis nets and makeshift "gates". Precarious to be sure. Long story is that Harry asked Bruce to negotiate with the park manager for permanent fences and gates. Knowing Bruce you can imagine what a thorough job he did, eventually sending drawings, proposals and photographs to the commission for a request of matching funds to have the fences built. One thing of note is that he received return phone calls from the town within hours and this appearance was set up within a week. You gotta love small town life.
Are you still with me? It's still raining, so I am still writing. 😀
Last Saturday was also a rainy day, but eventually we left the cottage and visited what I am calling the flea market although that might not be the real name. Anyway, it was kind of icky, in part because of the damp cold, but interesting nonetheless. Presumably it is much livelier in the summer.
Across the street it is a little more refined with some very interesting items for sale.
We did leave empty handed aside from some new salt and pepper shakers and a cast iron skillet from the grungy place. We did not come home with these.
From there we did some driving in the country and those white trees are so wonderful!
Coming across this shop was a highlight, absolutely charming both inside and out.
What has been so surprising here is how the grass, despite freezing overnight for more days than I can count, remains mostly green.
The number of days we spent watching our boys playing sports were also more days than I can count. It brings me joy to watch the new generation doing just that.
Here is a tree I am anxious to see once these buds turn into leaves. Amazing right?
Finally this sky.
During our Sunday walk Diane claimed it is called Carolina blue and who, pray tell, am I to argue with that?
I've not even touched on the wildflowers which are also going wild with the warmer days. Oh by golly, this is so much fun.
your friend,
Gail
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