A bee on a tree.
In my front yard
Happy Spring, my dear, black hearts! I absolutely adore Spring. There is nothing more exciting than seeing all the flowers transform from tight little buds to beautiful fragrant flowers. Well, except maybe for Halloween, but Halloween is so far away! In our neck of the woods, we have orange groves a-plenty, and just a few weeks ago, I saw “white stuff” all over them. That was the precise moment that I knew Spring was on it’s way – Orange Blossoms! The smell is intoxicating, and I absolutely love it.
The resident hummingbird baby, also in the tree in our front yard.
Our Vernal Equinox hits us square in the face at 9:57AM Pacific Daylight Time(PDT), or 16:57 UTC, TODAY March 20, 2014. This day is equally as long as the night, and as the sun crosses the celestial equator north-bound, the sun will remain in the sky a little longer as the days pass. During the days leading up to this awesome celestial event, I’ve been paying attention to these little guys:
Momma Hummingbird standing watch, waiting for me to GTFO
Last year around this same time, the woman you see in the above photo had little hummingbird babies. This year she returned! I’ve been trying desperately to get a picture of her feeding the children, but she ain’t havin’ it. She waits patiently until I leave her and her babbies be. So I get some photos of her, some photos of the babies, but never them all together. They are just too darn cute though, and growing fast!
The two hummingbird babies about two weeks ago. They are so adorable and ugly at the same time!
I also wanted to share with you these absolute beauties. This is a true sign that spring is here – the strawberry stands start popping up everywhere! It is officially strawberry season, and I am ready to get my fill! I purposely stay away from strawberries until I know they’re in season. That way I know I’m getting the absolute best fruit possible.
So here’s the low-down. I was on my way home from work last night, and I was thinking to myself that it’s about time I start to see my Strawberry Man. He always sells on the corner of San Timoteo Canyon Road and Live Oak. He seems to pack up by the time I come around, and if he’s not there, I’ll drive by his organic strawberry farm, where he sells the berries outside. It’s just a mile northwest up Live Oak, so it’s not much of a set-back. Hint: You should go there if you’re in the area! Seriously, one mile exactly.
To my absolute delight, there he was, with his cute hat, bright red umbrella, and his strawberry sign. What a gift, the day before Spring!
I step out of my car, to procure my berries, and was slapped straight in the face with the overwhelming aroma of orange blossoms. Holy hell, it was moan worthy. I always roll down my windows on the way home so I can partake in their perfume, but actually stepping outside, and immersing myself in that thick, floral smell was something else entirely. If you have orange groves near you, I highly suggest you park, get out of your car, and smell the millions of blossoms.
Quite a specatular welcoming, if I do say! I encourage you to get out there! Smell the blossoms. Behold the beauty of this great earth! Feel the love like these two love-birds:
Our stray cat, Julian (loyal servant and protector of House Orozco) serenading Berenis, our momma kitty of two litters, and queen of the realm. (I’ve been watching more Game of Thrones than I’d like to admit – can you tell?)
What specialties are you looking forward to this Spring?
Love,
I may have to attempt recreating the cup you have your berries in. I really like that the outside is light and the inside is dark.