The daffodils are blooming. They are such a bright yellow. The flowers light up the lawn like little droplets of cheery sunlight. They look like they have so much energy it can be envy inducing.
April is racing along toward its conclusion. Spring does go so fast. Next time I turn around it will be the end of May. In this latter portion of April it has become noticeably warmer. Instead of a chill gusty wind it is now a mild pleasant breeze with the amazing fresh smell of spring on the air. We have begun opening windows and allowing the sweet air to filter through the upstairs. The first clean fresh air we’ve had inside since summer ended last year so many months ago.
The chickens are enjoying the sunshine and warmth. Even right now as I look out the upstairs window I see them lying on the grass, sprawled out and taking a lazy snooze. I see them doing it often. Sometimes they lay so limp and still they appear dead, struck down on the spot. I wonder at times if other chickens become concerned because I will see one of them go over to the unmoving one and stare very closely, maybe pecking at the grass near the head of the resting chicken until the bird gets up and moves. Concerned, or else they can’t stand seeing someone else resting so nice and comfortable and they have to ruin it. Could be that.
With plenty of sunshine to enjoy, grass to eat, and yard to explore the egg production is at its peak. Some days I bring in a full dozen, which is more than we can eat by our normal methods. One solution is to have scrambled eggs, hard boiled eggs, and fried eggs at every possible occasion. But I don’t care to eat eggs straight except occasionally. I think the excellency of eggs is shown in baking.
Maybe I can get Titi to make lots of pound cake . . . that uses up eggs.
***
I finished pruning the three big apple trees. A little late, and just in time. As always.
There was less apple tree to prune this year since I had to lop off a major limb from two of the trees because of insect problems last year and the third tree suffered from being smashed by the willow tree when it came down. Less limbs to prune, but in the case of one tree this made my job more difficult because the removed limb was one I stood on to prune branches higher up. I managed by standing (illegally) on the very top of the step ladder.
The good news about the apple tree that was mauled by the willow tree is that it appears to be recovering. It still looks a bit ratty and there are scars that will last for many years to come. However, the tree survived through last year. It hasn’t come down with any deadly infection, and so long as it doesn’t I expect the wounds will heal and the tree will slowly get back to normal. This year will tell a lot. So far I am happy about the prospects.
At pruning time I always wonder what I will do when I get older. Way out on a branch–clutching the very end as I lean out over open space straining with clippers in hand to reach the last twig–I think that if I were the least overweight, out of shape, or plain stiff in the joints I don’t know how I could do it. Most of apple tree pruning is easy. But the very end of those few branches pushes safety, sanity, and physical ability to a realm I am not sure I will always be willing to venture to. Maybe I will surprise myself. Or maybe I will find some amazingly tall step ladder that I can use to reach those branches that are way out and far up.
Then I always wonder what will happen the first time I miscalculate the loading bearing capacity of a branch and end up, finally, taking “the big plunge.” Every year there are a few moments that come close (don’t read that, Mom). The important thing, of course, is to remember in that fleeting moment of horror to land right side up.
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