Winter with a Hint of Spring

White narcissus blossoms have opened up during this first week of January above the lush green clover. After some days of heavy rain, this is no surprise at all. The former puddles have disappeared into the groundwater and the plants have benefited. Clammy cold fog persisted in the mornings after the New Year but now there is a short winter reprieve before our hopefully abundant rain for the spring comes. Despite the clamminess of the fog the beauty of it is undeniable.

The sun came out later in the morning today as I watched an exuberant squirrel dart down on the branches of the nearby big walnut tree with a Black Walnut in his mouth. He ran over in my direction and sat on the stump of what was a former walnut tree, and observing the stump it was obvious that it had still been a young tree. A pity it was cut down, it could have provided abundant shade in the summer as walnut trees tend to be known for doing.

Mr. squirrel was looking straight at me and swishing his tail back and forth with the walnut sticking straight out, as if to dare me to deprive him of lunch. All yours amigo. I am fond of walnuts, although not black ones, as they are sticky and smelly and I certainly won’t fight over them, especially with a squirrel who seems to have an attitude problem. Enjoy your lunch!