New Beginnings

Here in central Louisiana fall blurs into spring with little more than a wink and a nod at winter. So it was no surprise when spring arrived this year early and with a fanfare of color. The Japanese magnolias were in full bloom by mid-January and the azaleas weren’t far behind. My dogwood tree is especially beautiful and my phlox are phloxing all over the place.

The majestic old live oak tree that holds court in my backyard is one of the few remaining mature trees on my street. I treasure its...