Thursday, April 21, 2011

Spring Trickles In

It hasn't been winter for a while, yet it sure hasn't felt all that springlike in the past couple of weeks. Despite the cold, and occasional flurry of snow or day-long downpour, it's still pleasant enough to get out for a walk every now and then. Of course, I always have my camera along.


cutie2
This little sweetie fell truly, deeply, madly in love with Benny and did not want to leave his side no matter how anxious her person might have been to move along.




cutie
Eventually she decided to just sit and wait. She wasn't going anywhere until we walked along with them, or until Benny was out of sight and presumably out of mind.




budding tree
Occasionally, there are a few true signs of spring - like these buds which are slowly emerging from a tree outside my window, in my neighbour's yard. I can see it from where I sit at the computer, and notice that its growth is painfully slow each day. But at least it is making progress.



robin
Typically, robins are true harbingers of spring but for the past couple of years, I've been seeing them hang around late into December or early January, and then return again in late February, after a brief absence. Still, they're always lovely to see as they get busy for the nesting season.



wet branch
After a particularly rainy day, water droplets could be found everywhere. I like how they gather and cling to these colourful, red branches. It helps to brighten up an otherwise dreary day.

That's it for now. I'm always happy to have you along for a walk. Thanks for joining me.

I'll be mostly away from the computer for a few days, but will try to follow up on comments and visits as time permits.

57 comments:

Liz Mays said...

You notice things that I so often take for granted. I love how you help me see everyday wonders. Beautiful photos as always!

Steve Gravano said...

The look of love is all over that cute puppy face! Spring is slow here as well.

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Happy Spring, Happy Easter, and a blessed Passover to you, Hilary. ♥

Anonymous said...

What a darling dog! Lovely shots - especially the raindrops...

Here's hoping spring arrives with lots of sunshine and chocolate eggs!

Sueann said...

What an adorable puppy!! So adoring! I love your spring photos! The close up of the water droplets is amazing! Well done!
Have a blessed Easter
Hugs
SueAnn

Jayne said...

Cutest pup ever. What beautiful photos, Hilary. I love the last. We saw lots of rain on our recent trip to Canada. Also noticed how chubby some of the robins were! (Unlike your photo.) It was rather humorous seeing squat little robins. I took some pictures, but nothing like yours! :)

Elizabeth Grimes said...

I just think it's amazing when you can capture water droplets, mid-drip like that. So simple, yet beautiful. Happy spring. Yay!!!

Out on the prairie said...

The smallest things do bring in the season.I plan on putting in some lilies today.

Tabor said...

I wanted to pet the dog. You capture her so perfectly. You got the personality!

Pearl said...

The birdies are back in MN, fat and singing. Can the lilacs be far behind?

Oh, and catching up and THANK YOU so much for the POTW mention in your last post! I am having some health problems (that I hope turn out to be next to nothing) and it was a welcome (and humbling) surprise. Thank you, Hillary.

Pearl

Brian Miller said...

cute pup...kinda got an 80s meg ryan hairdo...smiles. i am glad spring has found you...spring is here in full swing now...

Robin said...

According to my friends Robins aren't always harbingers of Spring... Ha! Love that closeup of the dog!

DJan said...

I love the water droplets picture especially. You'd think I had enough, but your treatment of raindrops is beautiful.

CiCi said...

That is the way it happens, true love springs on us and we don't want to lose it. I don't blame that sweet dog for falling for Benny.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

What an adorable pup. And Benny was probably playing it cool and ignoring her while he was exploring everything along your route. Wonderful photos, as always.

larkswing said...

When I was a little girl, I remember my Grandfather always saying that Robins were the first sign of spring. That was in Colorado. In Georgia, I see them off and on all year - but it is always a sweet reminder of my Grandfather :)

sage said...

what a neat dog! You're photos are beautiful.

Daryl said...

Oh Benny has a girl friend, how sweet ... and those branches are superb reminders that despite the wet and the chill.. spring is here!

Anyes said...

Those raindrops hanging on the branches, look like a string of transparent pearls...Truly stunning. Enjoy your Easter break, Hilary

L. D. said...

Such a sweet little dog. Spring is wonderful and so are your photos.

Dawn said...

Oh you always make my day with your walks!
And I love that 1st capture. That's how I feel this morning;)

Anonymous said...

You take the BEST walks, Hilary. Thanks for having us along.

DI

Kristina P. said...

I wish I had a cute shaggy dog.

Barbara said...

Thank you for letting us tag along! What a precious puppy!

messymimi said...

Puppy love, eh? What a nice thought.

A blessed and beautiful spring to you.

Frank Baron said...

That pooch was indeed a sweetie. Nice portrait. Ben has no clue as to his charm - which only adds to it, I suppose. :)

Sebab said...

Enjoyed all the pictures! Wish you a wonderful long weekend.

lime said...

oh my goodness that little moppett of a dog is just too adorable. however did benny not fall truly, deeply, madly in love with her?

MaggieGem said...

Great shots... that dog is adorable looks like she has wig on! LOL

Nice nature, as usual. Always so nice to stop by and visit with you!

Karen said...

Love the new girlfriend! So cute. Spring is almost gone here and now into summer.

Have a wonderful Easter! See ya later.

VM Sehy Photography said...

Nice shots. Love the water droplets. We've been having cold and dreary weather here, too. I can hardly wait until it starts to warm up.

Friko said...

Not a trickle here, more like a flood, a dry one.
The temperatures we are enjoying are unheard of for the UK.

Sad. Really. (not)

Mental P Mama said...

I totally know how that little girlie feels. I love Benny, too.

Red said...

One of the best robin pictures I have ever seen! Thanks. We also see more robins in the winter here according to our Christmas bird count.

Sandi McBride said...

I always love your photos, your eye is sharp so is your lens! What a sweetie that pup is...hope Benny appreciates his fan club!
Sandi

Sandi McBride said...

Oh sorry I meant to say Happy Easter to you all and hope you'll be finding lots of chocolate eggs!
Sandi (again)

Tammie Lee said...

such a cutie dog!
Your spring looks like ours... new evidence daily, snow daily, rain daily, slow slow unfolding of spring.

Glo said...

The blonde bombshell is gorgeous, and bless her little doggie heart for falling for Ben. It happens to the best of us. ;) Spring isn't trickling much faster over on the west coast, but this way it stretches like a real spring filled with anticipation! Photos are so clear and detailed.

Cloudia said...

thanks!






Warm Aloha from Honolulu


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Cricket said...

That close up of the dog? What a face. I don't usually say "awwww..." I'm really not that kind, but that face does it.

For some reason, probably just my general mood on this fine Good Friday morn, I'm hearing strains of Tupelo Honey. I dunno, just go with it.

Wishing you and yours a happy, Passover, Easter, and Equinox, as I suspect each will come up in some fashion.

p.s. we have buds slowly bursting here too. Yay!

Leah J. Utas said...

Ahh, unrequited puppy love.
Love the water droplets.

Dawning Inspiration said...

Such a sweet, cuddly dog!!

Reb said...

Lovely raindrops and a dirty white dog is a true harbinger of spring ;)

Wendy said...

Oh, what a gorgeous robin! I've heard them singing in the trees and I did see a couple a few days ago. Spring is really in the air.

Truly, madly, deeply (isn't that Backstreet Boys or Savage Garden?), anyway, I think that's one cute puppy!

What is it about water droplets that draw the eye? Perhaps their transient nature. Or the way they make plants glisten. They look good!
Happy Earth Day!

Lisa said...

What a Sweetheart. Glad you captured the Spirit of this little one. Spring is coming slow agian here in Alberta.
Happy Easter and have a blessed holiday.

Dave said...

That little doggie is sure a good looker. I wonder if Benny liked her? That picture of a robin surprised me Hilary. As we don't have them here I always thought a robin was a small bird - Dave

Unspoken said...

Soooo, Benny has another fan :)? not surprised.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I enjoyed it. Seems like spring will come forth for you very soon.

Betty Manousos said...

Breathtaking shots! I love all of them, especially the rain drops.
Loving your photography!

Happy Easter weekend!
Betty

Maggie May said...

Lovely photos as always .... but I do love the twig with the raindrops on it.
Happy Easter.
Maggie X

Nuts in May

Hilary said...

Thank you everyone for your always-kind words. I'm away from home for a few days so my keyboard times is limited but I so appreciate that you all stop by for a visit. You folks are the best. Thank you!

Dianne said...

as always your ability to capture droplets is amazing

Benny's fan is adorable
I wonder is she'll become a stalker ;)

beth said...

that dog's face just totally brightened my morning....soooooo cute !

tattytiara said...

Love those dew drops, and what a sweet lil pup!

steviewren said...

I love the photo of the water drips on the the limbs.

SandyCarlson said...

That pooch is one smart chick. Benny is the Ultimate Magnet. So it goes. Life is good.

Claudya Martinez said...

If you see that dog again, get me the name of their stylist. Great hairstyle.