Thursday, March 28, 2013

Where's spring?

These two playful red pandas are sure enjoying the snow. Of course, they are adapted to snowy climates. I am certainly glad there are creatures that enjoy the snow, but IT IS TIME FOR SPRING! Here in Virginia, it is about ten degrees cooler than normal for late March, and even my forsythias have frozen in time. Past years these bushes have given me early spring beauty that fills me with the hope of future warmth. This late March they have not bloomed out-there are hints of yellow, but the cold nights are putting the blooms on hold. Should be in the 50's to low 60's over the next couple of days. I need to soak up some sun! Please, please, Sun, send us some of your warmth soon!

P.S. This cute picture was found on tumblr.com with no reference. I assume it is from a zoo. I am sorry for giving no credit. If you own it, I'll be glad to credit you!

Monday, March 18, 2013

Lichens alive!

The boulder above, which is near the St. Patty's day moss, has developed layers of lichen now. Moss is beginning to encroach on the lichen. And then, there is the boulder shown left, which has ferns and mountain laurel growing on it along with the moss! I am continually amazed at nature, especially plants. The boulders are weathered granite, I believe, and they are arranged in an interesting rough-and-tumble disarray. So far, I cannot find any pattern to them, except that they are exposed along an embankment above the creek.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Greening the rock

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Today was such a lovely day, with the sun shining and the temperatures in the mid 60's, I could not resist spending most of the day outside. On one of my walks, I discovered that the moss on this rock has increased so much it was beginning to curve over the edge! There were mountain laurel bushes growing up above this view. Anyway, I decided this would be a great "green" picture for St. Patty's,and since it will be raining on the 17th, this moss will be greening up the boulder even more!