Oh to be in England now that Aprils there...................................

Robert Browning (1812–89)


I
OH, to be in England now that April ’s there
And whoever wakes in England sees, some morning, unaware,
That the lowest boughs and the brushwood sheaf
Round the elm-tree bole are in tiny leaf,
While the chaffinch sings on the orchard bough
In England—now!

II
And after April, when May follows
And the white-throat builds, and all the swallows!
Hark, where my blossom’d pear-tree in the hedge
Leans to the field and scatters on the clover
Blossoms and dewdrops—at the bent spray’s edge—
That ’s the wise thrush: he sings each song twice over
Lest you should think he never could re-capture
The first fine careless rapture!
And, though the fields look rough with hoary dew,
All will be gay when noontide wakes anew
The buttercups, the little children’s dower,
Far brighter than this gaudy melon-flower!



It's finally here. Official Spring time. Lets slow down now. Take time to enjoy every single day. Spring does not last long in Michigan, nor is it as pretty as in England.
Still, the mild weather, the rain showers that gets everything green again. The scent of clean air. It's a wonderful thing. Before the sun becomes so intense again that I don't enjoy it. I love mild weather, I like warm but not hot. I can see things grow every day. The tips of the Daffodils popping up and the Tulips testing the air. The leaves are thinking of popping and after todays warm rain that will happen quickly.

My Mother was born April 3. A Spring baby. How sweet. Her name was Irene violet. Her Mothers name was Violet Irene. Violets are one of the first Spring flowers. Mine have not showed up yet. The beginnings of the leaves just popping through. I love Spring flowers.

Once things start it goes so quickly. The Lilac blooms, buds of leaves are showing already. Then the heady smell of lilac, it is so strong I can't have it in the house. Gives me a headache but I love the smell in the garden or when walking through the neighbourhood.
I have written so much about Springtime in England, the very best time of year for me. New beginnings. Everything new and it all seems to happen at once.
Here in Michigan everything is drab, wet muddy. There is still snow in spots in the woods and roadsides. Dirty snow. Mostly gone thank goodness. The old leaves still carpet the floors in the woods making it slippery now that it has rained. However Laura was out for a walk the other day and saw some Garter snakes enjoying Springtime pleasures. (if it is indeed pleasing to snakes)

Everyone seems to be off in pairs at the moment. We noticed when we were at the Dunes the other day. Animals two by two. Although miss garter snake had two companions.
Guess she wanted to be sure of getting the job done.
The Sand Hill Cranes were lovey dovey

Alas no flowers just yet. Except some lonely Snowdrops in my garden.


It somehow just does not compare to English Springtime. Sigh...........soon though. Very soon. Like May. May is the time for the flowers in Michigan. I do not want to rush it though. So much yet to do outside when it stops raining. I did see a bee on the Snowdrops yesterday so I hope the Dandelions will soon emerge. Have some raking to finish before they pop up. I love to see them. for now I must be content with pictures my friends post of England in the Spring, they are waiting for the Bluebells.

Bluebells should come in May and every year I intend to send for some for my garden but forget. Ah well. Maybe I will enjoy a cup of tea and go buy some Daffodils for the table

HAPPY SPRINGTIME EVERYONE Sharing with Make it Pretty Monday