A Dogwalk, Later

This season feels like sort of an interlude. Spring comes slowly, in a way — it's green but cold; it's sunny but muddy; it's lighter out later, but we're still not outside. All around town big clumps of daffodils cheer me, and I plan, once again, to plant some in September. Why don't I ever do that? Eight years in this house, and the only bulbs I've planted were a few pink tulips, in the wrong place, later to be replaced with candytuft and sweet woodruff. But this year we have a fence, and I have visions of little, nodding drifts of pale yellow greeting me on the house-side of  the pickets, so I must make a note to myself to remember how pretty these daffodils look right now, and do it right this fall.

I did get a daffodil-yellow spring coat this year (from the Gap; the umbrella is very old, from sadly now-gone Daisy Kingdom) that is making me happy. I'm ready for my dogwalk. Our girl Clover Meadow has gotten so big; I'm hoping we'll get out today and I'll take her picture. Last night her boyfriend Bennie came over for a playdate. They romped, a small tornado, through the house for fifteen minutes until Bennie found a bone that he liked better than he liked Clover. Clover was flabbergasted. She did everything she could to get his attention, including clambering on top of him, then lying four feet away and barking in his face (this dog has the loudest bark I have ever heard), then just looking with total bewilderment at us — what was this guy's problem? Couldn't we see? Bones are boring! Sigh.

Today we'll take a walk and see what's blooming; the magnolias are starting to unfurl as the daffodils turn crepe-y and gold. I hope we can get into the woods this weekend. There's so much to do all the time that we forget to go, or it's pouring rain on Sunday, or who knows what. Before I can rub my eyes and blink in wonder a whole season has lapsed and I've only been around the block a few dozen times. But I'd like to go out and see some little snowdrops, wild violets, maybe find a four-leaf clover. I'd like to get out of the neighborhood a little bit.

Comments

[tiffany]

I'm sure Clover Meadow will want to be venturing too.. so you'll have a fun friend along..

I think sweet woodruff is one of my favorite flowers. I have one bed full.. I might need another. :)

[Bea]

Your post today is somewhat poetic. So simple, so beautiful, so important to appreciate the small things in life - such as the color of the daffodils, a beutiful coat or a walk in the woods.

Have an amazing wednesday!

/Bea

[hazelsvintagepretties]

Spring is my favorite season, but it's true, it's just been too cold to be out very much. My husband and I planted six cherry akibono trees on our long, corner lot parking strips about twelve years ago. They are just starting to bloom...My favorite stage is actually right before they bloom. I wish I had that view out of my kitchen window all year long!...Have a good walk...Katie

[teresa]

I have that jacket, only in hot pink! Love it. Love your umbrella, too, Alicia!

[Veronica TM]

what? clover has a boyfriend???????
i was laughing when i read the rejection for a bone and her reaction.
i hope you can get out of the neighborhood and enjoy spring!

[Chelsea D.]

I found a stray Corgi the other day that looked just like Clover-I though maybe it was her, but she would have been far from home in Silverton!

[susaninfrance]

wonderful photo!!

[Mary Smith]

I have just discovered your blog. I really like your photography, as well as your interest in nature. I love it too.

[Carrie]

What a pretty jacket, and lovely umbrella!

[Kathe Kramer]

Your spring, so far away from mine sounds like its twin. You have inspired me to walk the dog. Usually my son and husband do that "chore". Now I see, with the proper accessories, it wouldn't be a chore at all! And now, that dog is 13, I can finally keep up with her, and yes, everything is just starting to bloom. Sunny day, no need for an umbrella, but I do wish I had that daffodil coat!

[Jeannette]

if you plant, consider april tears. teeny, poetic, beautiful.

http://www.miniaturebulbs.co.uk/acatalog/narcissus_d.html

[kirsten]

loving your raincoat. i have the same one in navy!

[caniche vagabundo]

So, have a good walk!

[Jill]

Oh, I love this daffodilly season too. I always forget to plant the bulbs, but I've discovered you don't NEED to - buy some of those cheap potted daffodils right now when you're in the mood, and either plant them straight out into your garden, or keep them inside in pots. Then when they're all done flowering, plant them in the garden where you want to see them next year. You can chop off all but an inch or two of the green so they look tidy while they wither into summertime.

After I started doing this my garden's been a riot of daffodils every spring - I love it!

[Gemma]

You need to plant daffodils! They are the only thing that keeps me going!

[Jeanie]

I adore your yellow raincoat -- I had one long ago, and seeing that reminds me how much I loved it! In Michigan daffs are just beginning to pop their pointy leaves out, and I am eager for the full display (which may take a bit!). So, I buy bulb gardens and do my best to remember to plant them in the fall! I hope you enjoyed your walk!

[ChristinaTE]

I just bought this coat last night! My sister got the matching navy one so we will be outrageously cute as walk our dogs together. :)

[ChristinaTE]

I just bought this coat last night! My sister got the matching navy one so now we will be outrageously cute as walk our dogs together. :)

[emily ruth]

oh that coat is to die for! i am so glad that yellow is back in the trends...i am right there with you on the daffodils...right outside of eugene there is a celebration called 'daffodil drive' & you drive out to a grange & all along the way there are daffs waving at you & at the grange there is a craft fair & a quilt show & daffodils for sale...very fun & old fashioned...just the way spring should be:)

[bethany]

Clover and I have something in common... I feel the same way when my husband is working and I'm practically jumping all over him to get his attention!! Men can really focus, can't they?!!! And seriously... am I that uninteresting?! I don't think so... neither should you Clover! You just call me whenever you have boy troubles and we'll have a girls night! And tell your Mom that her rain coat is very cool... all the good-looking girls are wearing yellow this spring!!!

[marissa]

Most garden catalogs will let you order bulbs now, while you are thinking about it, and not ship until the proper planting time. Getting a box of bulbs in the mail next fall is a sure reminder!!

Hope this helps - I'm a huge daffodil lover who needs to plant tons more this fall! Oh, and that link to Daffodil Depot is going to be horrible for my bank account, I'm sure!

[Samantha]

Warm weather will be there before you know it! We have been outside for a few weeks now, it's beautiful here in Alabama.

[m]

those are so yum!

[molly]

how 'bout i send you an email in september reminding you to plant daffodil bulbs, if you do the same for me??! :)

[eM]

when you figure out why we don't plant daffodil bulbs in October, please tell me, cuz I always mean to and never do as well!
It snowed here in Seattle end of last week/Saturday - today is sunny and warmish, and the daffys don't look any worse for wear- whew!!