spring in North Carolina

Photos Sent from Home

| Flower Roberts

I usually love spring. This year I miss my gardens, but I am constantly reminded of my lack of stamina. It is frustrating for an over-achiever like me to run out of steam before finishing simple projects. It happened again today.


Mr. Flower just sent me these photos from home. Home is on a hill with steps inside and out. The house on the mountain does not require cilmbing hills nor steps, but one hip or the other hurts just about every day.
I listen to that pain. I am not ready to push through it. My body has been through too much trauma and slow healing to risk further injury.

I am happy to see these familiar faces as I rest before “round two” of  chores and projects. I wanted to be “Strong by Spring.” That has been my mantra. I will continue to carefully work toward that goal.

Here are today’s blooms from home.

Quince in a fence.
Daffodils on a hill.
Poncirius bloom fully opened.
Thalia being gorgeous.
Almond bush from Enwood in full bloom.

FLOW

My Morning Walk

| Flower Roberts

I told my family I was going down to check on my plants downstairs and in the bunny yard. Mr. Flower said, “Take a stick.” Now how am I supposed to get anything done with a stick?

My walking stick

I chose a shovel instead. I am so relieved that my treasures survived last year’s neglect. I will post my best photos with names below.

Pink Columbine
White Columbine and bracken fern
Little Much bearded iris
Ground Orchid
Flame azalea Gibralter
Spanish bluebells

The big news is I made it halfway down the hill to my favorite spot. Here the wind turns up the hill and has a lift to it. I have spent a lot of time under these oaks sitting on this hill watching the water. I used to haul my heavy bookbag down here and grade papers on Saturdays. I sit on this bench to pray or cry or talk to the sky.

My favorite spot

I needed to be down here today. So much is changing in my life and family. I feel a bit unmoored. It is soothing to sit where I have always sat these 35+ years to mull over the next part of my journey.

Lily of the Valley

I am thankful to my hip and shovel for making this nostalgic little trip possible. Now, if I can just get back up to the house!

FLOW on the move