Harbinger!

Our world has been gray and green for so long now that the single pink camellia felt like a visual assault.  Not very big and not especially bright — not neon-sign bright or day-glo paint bright.  But, even so, she got my full attention when she appeared.

I don’t think it was an accident that she showed herself from exactly the spot we would notice.  Like the chickens when they come calling, Ms. Camellia was right outside our east door — just beside the porch where we’d be sure to see her as we went from one end of the house to the other.  I couldn’t help exclaiming when she caught my eye. I felt her smiling back, pleased that she had surprised me.  So far, she’s the only one — the first bright burst of the new year.

Here come the daffodils!

I’m not sure who will be next — daffodils or hyacinths.  The race is on.  Both are poking up but it will be some time before they blossom.  Blue  will edge around our garden beds and a field of yellow will blanket our northern verge.

I’m betting the hyacinths will burst forth first, but don’t mention it to the daffs.  They always like to think they are the harbingers.  And when it comes to harbinging… don’t we all?