Chartreuse

I love this time of year here in the north country.

It is so full of energy and potential.

On the drive to camp yesterday the skies were filled with chartreuse. New budding growth on the trees. Almost leaves, but not quite. A blanket of brilliant yellow green spanning upward to the skies, providing a lattice through which to view the clear blue sky.

The water on the lake was calm. No boats, only a pair of mallard duck quietly paddling near the cove. The canadian geese are back, but in hiding, warming their future offspring. Soon there will be lines of families silently traversing the lake.

And at home, while washing the dinner dishes, I see a tiny baby bunny outside my kitchen window. He looks so vulnerable. All alone in my side yard eating the dandelions without a care. Doesn't he know that two big dogs live inside and neighborhood cats roam freely? I don't think he is fast enough yet to escape these predators. My cardinals are back and come for their dinner everyday at 5:00pm and the goldfinches swarm the backyard feeder.

The hostas, strong and constantly expanding, have made a full recovery after the harsh winter. And the peonies and liliacs are budded and ready to intoxicate us with their heady blooms. Pink and white crabapples and apple trees are also waiting their turn. The bowing foliage and blossoms of the bleeding hearts are swaying gracefully in the breezes and the salwart little muscari are still standing tall after emerging first from the frosty ground.

We've waited a long time up here in our northern most region. And we are being regally rewarded.