Walking In May

There is a storm coming in.
A strong wind is blowing from the south.

I walked early just in case
the rains began sooner than forecasted.



I walked in the cemetery.
I wanted to visit the Hawthorn tree on May Day.
I do not know if the Hawthorn is native to my area or not.
It is the traditional May Day tree.




There was a funeral going on near the tree.
I walked the other direction.
The Maple tree is native as is the Crab.

The winds are picking up.
The May pole ribbons are dancing and weaving.

I am feeling so much better. I have some vitality again.
It is nice to get out and walk.
It is nice to be in May.

Arbor Day

As I walked in my neighborhood this morning
I noticed the Apple trees were in bloom.

The Pink Dogwood in my neighbor's yard is bright on this cloudy day.

My French Lilac bush is in bloom.

The Red Bud is at peak.

A beautiful Arbor Day.

Into the cemetery

The Forsythia bushes in the cemetery are trimmed every Autumn.
I always think they look strange when they are in bloom.

There is one area that is left natural.

It is here I enjoy walking.

Today I saw a large area in Hen-bit
and wild Johnny Jump-ups!

Such a sweet wild flower.

Johnny Jump-up
is my wild flower in April.
I walked for an hour in the wind.
I was very excited to see the Johnny Jump-ups.
I just love Spring.

A walk in the woods

The wind is blowing and the temperature is 68 degrees.
I am looking for butterflies.



As I walked up the street to check on the little pond
in the woods I noticed lots of dandelions had bloomed.

I like dandelions.

The Robins were singing.

Up by the little pond I saw a butterfly!
I have never seen this one!
It is known as the Goatweed Butterfly.
The butterfly hibernates as an adult in my area. She has beautiful orange upper wings in flight
and wonderful camouflage at rest!
I am very excited to see a new to me butterfly!
Butterfly Season has begun!

Bee Walk

I am feeling so much better.
The sun is out and it warmed up to 53 degrees.
I put my bee socks on and went on a bee walk.



Down the street the vinca is in bloom but no bees.
It must be too cool yet.
My bee books say when the temperature warms to 55
the bees emerge.




In my backyard the wild violets have opened.
The air has warmed while I was walking in search of bees.
I love seeing the Honey bees in my own backyard.
I wonder where their hive is.



This little black bee could be a Orchard Mason bee!
I will ask Cheryl from My Wildlife Sanctuary.
She introduced me to the Orchard Mason Bee!

I hope it is!

Little Pond

There was activity at Little Pond today.
The Mallard was talking up a blue streak.
I heard him as I came down the path.


I did not see the hen today.
Maybe she already has a nest and is sitting.

I enjoyed watching him swim about and come ashore.




There were lots of turtles today sunning.

There was one lone Goose swimming about.

I looked for other signs of Spring at Little Pond but could only see bubbles.
I am looking for frogs and spawn.

In the cemetery

I walked in the cemetery today.
Spring is coming ever so slowly.

My neighbor's son-in-law came over this morning.
He came to let me know Mr. Carter died last night in his sleep.
I had meant to ask Mr. Carter where in the cemetery his first wife was buried.
I will ask the office to locate the grave for me so I can tend to it now.

I wonder if this beloved Mother and Nana was really named Birdie.

A small magnolia tree is in bloom.

I will be attending Mr. Carter's funeral.
He was a good neighbor.
I will miss him.