Spring has come to Ithaca!

What glorious weather today and predicted for the weekend! After a long winter of ice, snow, and bitter cold, this is certainly a treat. Crocus are in bloom, as well as Witch Hazel. Peonies are peeking out of the soil and the daffodils are ready to pop. The Snow Drops were the first to appear, surrounded by remnants of snow. Hundreds of lotus pods from last season are floating around the pod waiting to be gathered for craft projects. The goldfish that hibernated at the bottom of the pond all winter are swimming to the surface and feeding on algae. Great re-awakening time of year!

Macro pix

It feels like spring and life is coming back to the plants at home and the Cornell Plantations. I am trying out a new macro lens and am enjoying the results. The first picture is from a bush with many Witch Hazel blossoms. The second from a late blooming holiday cactus. And the third from a magnolia bush that will be heavy with blooms very soon.