For lo...the winter is past????

So...on Thursday I was riding my bike around the neighborhood after getting the mail.
I enjoyed the sunshine and the last of the colorful fall leaves shimmering against a vibrant blue sky.

I noticed one house still had a Christmas wreath on the front door, and I wondered how long it would stay up.

Then I saw this tree:

White blossoms bursting forth on the bare branches.

Bees buzzing from flower to flower.

And all I could think of was....

Oh COME ON...Give me a break...YOU have GOT to be kidding me!

It's not even half way through January yet!

This is just wrong.

No trees should be allowed to bloom until at least mid January... pul-ez!

Caddy corner from "Springtime" was this huge Bradford pear tree complete with squirrel nest.

As I snapped a shot, a turkey buzzard sailed through the picture. The buzzards are usually seen gliding in circles over the forest, twenty or thirty of them at a time.

Guess this one wanted some alone time or something.

Man, would I love to peek inside that squirrel's nest.

Beneath the pear tree was a sago palm tree, with a multicolored leaf wedged within it's fronds.

Later I took B. to the doctor, who said surgery is not going to be needed on his injured knee.

PTL!

Three more weeks in a brace, then rehab. It is still very painful for him, and it is difficult for him to get a full night's sleep.

Or any sleep at all for that matter, even with the prescribed medications.

Two nights ago he finally tried taking the prescribed painkillers, a glass of wine and a couple of melatonin tablets.

And then was able *finally* to sleep through the night for the first time in three weeks.

. When asked about adding the wine with the med, the doctor nodded sagely and said "yeah...I know...it does help..."

Now the three of us are enjoying sharing a nice bottle of wine each night, and exploring various vintages and types.

Definitely less side effect are likely to occur with a glass of wine than with your typical prescribed medication.

And wine is a lot more interesting to talk about too.

Like was this winery really making wine in 1124 AD???

On the way home from the doctor's office we stopped to get a refill on the pain management prescriptions, and to pick up another bottle of wine.

It was a tad chilly as the sun was setting, and I commented that I would enjoy having a fire in the fire place later on.

B. said "Yeah, we should probably have a fire before summer gets here."

And it took several moments for my brain to register that summer is SUPPOSED to still be six months away, yet we are already thinking it is almost here.

And as promised: the bee going about his business on the camellia.

Love that golden pollen anklet he is wearing!