Signs of Spring - with Pictures

Let's pretend it isn't going to - in typical Columbus fashion - get down into the low 40s by the end of the week for a moment, shall we? I've been spending some time outside, pondering the future of our small yard and tiny garden, wondering what we should plant this year, how many tons of topsoil to have delivered, and feeling tiny bursts of pride to discover some things - such as my cherished Sweet Autumn clematis - are coming back. Husband took me into the yard, pointed at the clematis, and said "See Hon? All your fretting was for naught. It is coming back." To which I replied "See? Fretting works!!" It's nice to know that, despite my brownish thumbs, I can, indeed, regrow things. In addition to the things pictured below, I have a healthy crop of oregano and various types of thyme coming up as well.  In a few weeks, it will be time to talk about ramps and asparagus, peas and strawberries. 

I love Spring.

The first tender leaves of new sage growth (yes, Mac, I promise to grind it into some pork butt very soon):

My fennel resurfacing:

The trees are flowering right now, and driving around the city is a little dangerous for someone like me, mesmerized by the sights of whimsical, willowy weeping cherry trees, my favorites.  There's one on Lincoln street in the Short North which is so beautiful I feel a little choked up everything I walk past.  The fear I won't be able to capture its heartbreaking beauty has kept me from taking a picture of it.  I probably only have another day or two to do it, so I'd better confront the fear and get on with it.  In the meantime, here's a picture of another weeping cherry, at the top of Glen Echo park in Clintonville: