Spring Blossoms!

Mountain Laurel, the stamens stay tucked into those dark indents until a pollinator triggers their spring-loaded pollen packed ends. Wow, too cool!


Purple Anise Tree, Florida Anise

These are two of the flowering trees we found on our spring walks through the woods at Harmony Ranch. Of course, there were even more flowers that we saw. but these were some that we had not identified before. Even though they are rare and unusual looking, they are quite common in the Southeast. Now we know!

Easter at the Ranch!

What a fun Easter celebration we had!

Our hearts were full of joy being with family.

The kids especially were happy just being together and playing like they hadn't been apart at all. We had a full visit, even though it was just Friday afternoon and Saturday. We did a little work, Ben drove the tractor, ran the stump grinder and he and Bart got the go-kart running. He also made a huge pot of Carnitas in Salsa Verde and though they were delicious and a huge hit, we just couldn't eat all 15 pounds of meat. That was fine by me as we brought a baggie full home! Anthony fixed a peanut butter no-bake dessert on Friday that was gone before bedtime and Granny made a yummy cheese cake for Saturday that was nearly gone even though we shared some of the kids candy from their egg hunt!

I wish I had brought my camera on our nature hike, so many trees are blooming and they are so beautiful and unusual that I can't explain them adequately with words. I will try to find out exactly what they are so that I can share the beauty with you all too. Norman has installed a drain for a pond down by the spring-fed creek and it promises to be a cool respite from the summer heat that is sure to arrive any day. The kids splashed a little and found a salamander that might have been a baby hellbender, though we can't be certain. We will look for him again and if he grows significantly we will know that it is. After climbing up the far bank, we visited the climbing magnolia tree and all the kids ventured up into the branches, with Anthony climbing way too high for my comfort! We plan on bringing our pruners and machete's the next time we go so that the path is easier to manuever, it is still pretty wild back there.

New pants! Easter dress, goin' to mass.

We shared the ranch with a church group who spent the day on Saturday and the kids got to play and share in some of the fun. We adults visited the worship portion of their visit. It was good to share and know that Norman and Gerry are tickled to have visitors of all kinds. I think we will be returning later this week to visit again when Bret, Dorothy, Garrett, Olivia, Tyler and Kaylie are there. I will try to remember my camera!

Here and gone!!!

Another quick visit with Pauli and

Sweet....



Manny growing so big and having so much fun!



We are looking forward to spending Easter with family. I know both the boys can't wait to get a piece of their cousins. I can't wait to get some photos and tell you all about it! Until then........