Proof!

First crocus of the season

Proof of life, that is.  Bits of spring hinted here and there.  In spite of the last wintery blast, the sun is making more frequent appearances.  And its giving off greater heat.

Yellow wildflowers called Coltsfoot and often mistaken for dandelions

Suddenly out of nowhere, there are tons of red-breasted robins pecking in the lawn in search of worms and grub.

Fresh green stuff!

Amidst all the grey decay and dead matter, new life sprouts.  Green stems and stalks break through the once frozen earth.

Tulips breaking through . . . 

I love spring!!  The promise of something fresh and new is in the air . . .

Spring?

Maybe?  See the tiny spikey leaves poking from the ground?  See the little hints of white, yellow (and yes, even purple)?

Note to self: plant next year's bulbs in bunches.  I was trying to maneuver 'round the perennials and the crocuses ended up in a row instead . . . 

I wasn't sure 'bout the clay-like soil in my garden bed (I need compost and maybe even some mulch 'round the perennials to add stuff to the dirt), so I didn't plant as many as I should have.  Yup, definitely need more bulbs!

There's Proof

Gradually the big piles of snow have melted (although there has been white stuff on the ground a few mornings that thankfully disappeared by mid-day).  The only remaining stuff is leftovers of the biggest of the big snow piles.

Leftover Snow

Spring is supposed to be here (afterall it is April), but I never quite believe it until I find some proof.  And today I actually found some proof. Viola!

Sprouting Crocuses (or Croci?)

Now it should be told that my wee front garden only recently lost the heap of snow covering it.  The front garden gets little sun (just some rays in the AM).  So my plants aren't as far along as my neighbour's.

Neighbour's Garden

Bring it on.  Bring on the Springtime! :D

A Little R and R

So to soothe my rattled brain and replenish my spirits, I picked up the latest copy of Knit Simple's Spring/Summer edition (now that I know where to find it in town).

Cover Showing Ruffle Trim Tank

There are a few cardigans, but the one below is my fave.  I like its swingy design.

Swing Cardigan

It looks like its knit in one piece from the top down, but is in fact worked in pieces.  Thankfully I've gotten over my fear of seaming (although it's not my favorite thing to do, but it's better than weaving in ends).

While cardigans are my fave garment to make, I also enjoy making tank tops. I think it's the simple construction and the lack of sleeves; in other words, it's usually a quick project.  And this issue has no shortage of tanks.  Lots of cute options, including the pretty pink tank on the cover.

Lace Rib Shell

Lace Dress

The orange item above is actually a dress, but it should be easy to shorten it, thereby making it a tank.

I must say that Knit Simple has tried to improve their website.  I noticed they now have additional photos of their projects on their website (the feature is called "Close Up").  The more pictures, the better!  Different views can help a knitter decide if a particular item will suit her body type.  Also, additional photos can offer a better view of details.  My only "complaint" is that it would be helpful to see the clothing item on a real person (but that's asking for too much, isn't it?).

By the way, my crocuses are in full bloom! 

Lovin' the wonderful splash of colour amidst the faded, dried-up remains of last year's bounty.  How's your weekend?

Pretty Colours

So with the long weekend, you'd think I'd be more productive with my time . . . not so much.  Not too much knitting (and I had such high hopes).  The weather has been incredible (as in forget spring; it feels like summer!).  So we've been outdoors as much as possible ('cuz I have a feelin' it ain't gonna last).  We puttered 'round outside, cleaning off the deck, preparing the BBQ and clearing debris from the garden beds.

And much to my surprise, there was a bevy of activity in my wee garden.  My crocuses are ready to bloom--almost a month ahead of schedule!

First Crocuses

Other things are growing too: the bleeding hearts and hostas have begun sprouting, the dianthus are showing signs of life and so are the sliver beacons and aurea.

Creeping Aurea Showing New Growth

It all seems a wee bit early . . . not that I'm complaining.  I'm loving all the sunshine and warmth.  It's a welcome change from the dreary days of cold winter.

And of course, in anticipation of Easter we coloured eggs with the kids.  We usually use one of those kits sold in the grocery store.

A Bevy of Pastel-Coloured Goodness

I'm not much for wearing pastels, but I do love how the soft colours compliment each other.  Aren't they pretty?

Close-Up of Easter Eggs

The kids look forward to a visit from the Easter Bunny who always drops off a few things: some chocolate eggs, perhaps a book, a craft kit or an outdoor toy.  I look forward to a quiet and relaxing day, hanging out with all my guys.  

Bunny Friends

Hope your holiday weekend is shaping up to be a good one!

Yay, Spring Equinox!

Spring fell upon Saturday and it was the most glorious day of all!  Enviroment Canada said my area reached 12 C, but my dashboard thermostat said 19 C.  And it was the warmest it has ever been in March!  Ever.  This time last year, there was still snow on the ground.  Here's the photographic proof.

March 31 2009

See all that white stuff on the ground?  And all those icicles dangling off the lights (I couldn't remove the Christmas lights 'cuz part of the string was stuck in the snow)?  This year, no snow yet, although there's some in the forecast for later on in the week.  That can change--I hope. 

For the first time ever in March, my own crocuses sprouted!  They never EVER come up in March.  It's usually too cold or there's snow on the ground.

First Crocus Buds of 2010

It won't be long before they're blooming and looking like below.

Blooms from 2009

These beauties didn't sprout till April and it wasn't until end of month that they bloomed (photos are dated April 24).  I just love Spring!  Don't you?

Have a great week!

Spring!

There's nothing like a little bit of sunshine, even if the day is not quite as warm as it should be (we're still in the single digits here on the east coast--hopefully not for long). Spring is here. I've got proof. The snow is finally gone (yee-haw!) and I've heard the birds chirping in the morning. And there's life stirring amidst last fall's debris of leaves and twigs. Just take a gander at these lovely crocuses from my little patch of garden.

I love Spring: the promise of warmth, renewal and life returning to the earth. I've got a busy day tomorrow. Hope you have a great weekend.
:D