Frogsong and Budding Blossoms

Greetings, readers! How is April treating you? Here the month started with a literal bang when Mr. M's car was struck by another vehicle as he drove to work on April 1st. Though no one was hurt, he is - to quote Anne of Green Gables - "well in body although considerable rumpled up in spirit" as a result. We're still waiting for word from the insurance company as to the fate of his car.

The weather has been typically rollercoaster-like. We've gone from freezing one week to balmy 70-degree days the next, and back again, with occasional snow and ice to liven things up. Just now, the nights are frosty and the days are cool-to-middling, with cold, gusty winds tipping the balance towards cool. But spring is advancing by leaps and bounds; neighbourhood trees are bursting into bloom, and I picked the first small bouquet of violets this week:

The darling little doily is a cherished gift from 
Kay at Georgia Girl with an English Heart

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Here are some photos from my April walks and rides.

Early in the month, the loons come back to the local lake:

Red-twig dogwood seems to shine its brightest at this time of year:

Pollarded willows begin to look hazy with leaf: 

And the air is full of frogsong. From marsh and pool come the whistle and trill and occasional growl of a joyful amphibian chorus:

By mid-month, honeysuckle leaves have sprouted:

Tallulah gladly sniffs the breezes blowing across a nearby lake:

And we revel in spring-blue skies and the slow greening of the landscape:

The yearly miracle of fuzzy catkins never loses its thrill:

Deep-blue scilla dot shady streambanks:

And Iris waits with eternal patience while I snap photos on the bank below:

Now, as we enter the fourth week of April, wild serviceberry is in bud, hinting at the flowers to come:

And the first marsh marigolds are opening: 

It's an exciting time of year.

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In crochet news, I'm working on a new shawl pattern (here under the watchful eyes of the Gnomes of the Gnorth):

And preparing a tutorial for an upcoming free dishcloth pattern:

The days are just packed.

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What's blooming where you live?

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