Meandering through March

     March "comes in like a lamb and goes out like a lion."  Or vice-versa.  What happens when it just kind of "blahs" its way in and "blahs" its way out?  Can we blame it on the groundhog?
     Despite the fact that my acres are not that extensive--less than five and a half acres--it takes me at least forty or forty-five minutes to walk them once spring sets in.  My "problem" is that I focus on every detail.  I'm checking every inch of the place to see what's coming up, what's starting to bloom, what "new" things have survived the winter to make their inaugural appearance on the premises.  I even--I guess it's an obsession--keep records of what comes up when.  Anyway, my walk is more like a meander this time of year in particular as my anticipation gets the best of me.  I go from bed to bed looking for the signs of growth, wander all the paths in the wild area looking for the signs of growth, ricochet through the trees looking for the signs of growth--just lots of looking for.  And even worse, I love it! 
     There's not a whole lot of blooming that takes place in March--at least up here in the country--two or three dozen crocus--lilac, purple, white, yellow, gold dabs of color scattered here and there, one small gang of dwarf yellow daffodils in Bed 7 under the old maple, snowdrops sprinkled around under the trees, a few winter aconite--yellow spots of color; a few Lenten roses that are the real stars of March--deep purples, pure whites, soft mauves.  But most of March is just promise.  The tulips are coming up, but they, for the most part, wait courteously for the daffodils to bloom first.  The iris are starting to reach for the sky--the dwarf ones will bloom first and then again last in the fall when they rebloom.  The tree buds are getting fat--leaves will be here soon.  March is indeed a time of hope and promise.  And who doesn't love resting in both of those?
     Sorry, it's mid-morning; I've got to go meandering.  I hope none of my flowers are going to play an April Fool's joke on me.  I'll be back--but not soon.  Details, details, details.  I love it!