Monday, May 10, 2010

Fading Daffodils, Asparagus, and FROST WARNING

It's that wonderful time of year when the last of the daffodils and tulips fade away, their color only to be replaced by the lilacs, azaleas, and rhododendrons that are now coming into full bloom.

On the farm, apples, crabtrees, and cherries are in bloom.   And the asparagus plants are providing great edible stalks to accompany dinner.   The vegetables that will be going into the ground soon are getting used to the outdoors in a cold frame, protecting them from the wicked gale forces winds of the past week or two.   And the grapes and hops are already growing like crazy.

We are into the 2nd week of May, have already mowed twice, and yet tonight, we will have FROST.   Ugh!   Summer is just around the corner, but is not here quite yet.   So, this afternoon, potted plants will come back indoors and the barn windows will be closed against the wicked cold.   Again.

Meanwhile, the horses just seem to take the weather in stride.   When they get too warm, they seek shade.   When the sun is shining on cold windless days, they bask in the light, absorbing heat.   On windy days, they put their tails to the wind and lower their heads or seek shelter in and around the field sheds.

Today, they are chasing loose hay as it floats across the pastures, nibbling on the early spring grass, and are goofing around, the way horses do, engaged in horseplay.

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