The last day of March was a delightful one. I finally found blooming crocus here in Westfield! This one was brightening up Chestnut Street. Spring is here for real, at last.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
bright
This past Saturday evening at 8:30 p.m., I turned out all the lights in my apartment, along with millions of others, for Earth Hour. I had meant to post something ahead of time, but a busy day got away from me and I didn't get around to it.
My turning off my lights for an hour didn't make much of an impact, but millions of people around the world together might have. It's a simple thing to turn off lights (and televisions, and computers) that aren't being used, yet so many of us don't do it often enough. This simple gesture reminds us not to be quite so wasteful. The world looks softer by candlelight. Plus, it gave me an excuse to use this lovely oil lamp. :)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
recent
No, the roses aren't blooming yet... these were laid on a gravestone at Pine Hill Cemetery, left in remembrance of a loved one.
When I go, I'd rather have flowers planted over me that can be enjoyed year after year. Cut flowers are lovely, but fleeting.
Friday, March 27, 2009
like shells
I found this interesting fungus at Heritage Park that looks like shells. It's an amazingly lovely day out today, and I was lucky to be able to get outside for a little while at lunch. Just counting down the minutes now until I can get back out there.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
bursting
These coppery evergreen needles (isn't that a contradiction?) were found at Stanley Park on March 17. It looked like a new planting, so hopefully this little tree will survive. I love the color, despite the fact that they should probably be green.
Monday, March 23, 2009
another old cemetery
I visited an old cemetery in Medfield, MA yesterday. Medfield is southwest of Boston, and the cemetery dates back to colonial times. I'd driven by it many times and was glad to get the chance to explore it.
I found a flag plaque from the Revolutionary war!
A very cool place, just full of history. I love those old slate headstones.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
cheery
I finally found some crocuses! I had to go all the way to Medway to find these lovelies. I have yet to see any here in Westfield.
Still, spring is here, and things are blooming in Massachusetts!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Spring at last!
Happy Spring/Vernal Equinox! Today the night and day are equal length, and spring has officially arrived here in the northern hemisphere.
I have yet to see any crocus blooming this year. These are from a couple of years ago, April 9th '07, at Grandmothers' Garden. I keep thinking they should be blooming by now, but perhaps that's just my impatience, since these were not abloom until April. When it comes to spring, I'm worse than a kid at Christmas. *g*
Thursday, March 19, 2009
More plaques
I went back to the cemetery yesterday after work, and the ground had dried out enough for me to wander around looking at more of these plaques on the flags. I found Korea and Vietnam, and assorted other associations.
Also: the daffodils are getting taller!
Today is the last day of winter. Good riddance!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
first one!
I saw my first dandelion of the year over at Heritage Park in East Longmeadow today!
Only two days until Spring!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
batch
I found the home of stacked chairs today over at Stanley Park. I like the colors, shapes, and patterns.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
theme
The ice has melted even from the smaller tributaries now, out in the wildlife sanctuary by Stanley Park.
Out on the paths, I was passed a couple of times by two guys on motorbikes. I took this pic when one stopped to ask me if this was a walking path, which it is. I was a bit annoyed, especially since the bikes were so loud.
They then went off on another path, and I was able to enjoy the peace of the woods again.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
more signs of spring
Thursday, March 12, 2009
sproing
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
flag plaques
Walking around Pine Hill Cemetery the other day, I took notice of the little plaques on the flags around the grounds. I had thought they were all military, but some of them were for other organizations, like this one from the Elks.
Here is one from the American Legion:
Then there are the war veterans:
I tried to find ones from Korea and Vietnam, but it was too muddy to do much exploring on the grassy areas. Next time!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
laurel wreath
This bronze laurel wreath is on a large memorial in Pine Hill Cemetery in Westfield. It's at least six feet off the ground, probably more, so I took this pic looking up at it.
Monday, March 09, 2009
impressive
Yesterday was another stellar late winter/ early springlike day, so I did a lot of walking around Westfield. This is the statue of Major General William Shepard, across from the fire station near the square. He seems to be contemplating whether to walk down the street to the Big Y. *g*
Sunday, March 08, 2009
liberate
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
liberal use of color
Two and a half weeks till spring. I am soooooo ready! Yes, I know there's a good chance we'll still have snow after March 20th. But it'll be spring!