Springing On

Spring happenings continue with new flowers out almost daily now even though temperatures have remained cool. It was only 5° (41°F) this morning and my hands got cold as I held the dog lead this morning.

Here is why I am keeping the dog on the lead these days!

Mother American Woodcock and chicks are doing well so far.

The sky is putting on some great shows in the morning. This was what greeted us today at the breakfast table.

Some of the new flowers in our area . . .

Carolina Spring Beauty

Sharp-lobed Hepatica

Looking for an ID. 

(So many insects, so little time.)

Saturday's "Long, Slow Distance" Training Run

Saturday morning "run" starts with the coach telling us the route. I walked this time as my leg has been sore since two days after the race last Sunday. I felt good during the 10 k and was still fine the next day and then Tuesday I was in pain and could not run. I have been keeping my "runs" to a walk since then.

The first hill on the trail is always part of our warm up walk.

It's usually a kilometre or so before I am so far behind the main group but when one walks the runners disappear very quickly. Maybe next week . . . ?

Spring Flowers . . .

Spring Will Come

First day of May and I could see my breath as I went out to walk the dog this morning. I am sure it will soon be as hot as it was cold during the winter but it has not happened yet. Meanwhile I did see some signs of warming weather:

Lots of spider webs on the shrubs and old goldenrod stems were gathering dew this morning.

The European Larch needles are growing quickly now.

The Highbush Cranberry leaves are beginning to break out of their buds.

The Sweet Viburnum leaves ate out of the bud and growing quickly.

And the American Woodcock is nesting in the field.