Thursday, March 4, 2010

Camellias and Robins

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There are signs of Spring despite the snow we’ve had the past few days.  Yesterday, school was cancelled but today the snow is all melted and the sky is blue and the sun is shining.  On the side of our house are 4 Camellia bushes.  The blooms are a bright red.  Lot’s of the buds were nipped by all the cold temperatures we have had but there are lots more that are starting to bloom.  Spring really is almost here!  The daffodils are coming up out of the ground.  Soon I’ll see my tulips.

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I never really knew what Camellias were until I moved to the South.  The leaves are a bright glossy green.  They give me hope!

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Growing up in Michigan, we were taught that it was truly Spring time when you saw a Robin.  It also happens to be the state bird of Michigan.  I remember getting excited when I would spot my first Robin knowing that the days of winter were numbered.  Well, to all my friends in Michigan who are wondering where all the Robins are…..they are here in North Carolina on a layover.  I  saw about thirty of them a couple of days ago congregating in my front yard.  I think the snow here freaked them out on their trek back to the great North.  I think they decided that if there is as much snow and cold temperatures in NC that they would delay their trip back to the Great Lake State until the weather improves.  So I am here to say, Keep the faith!  The Robins are on their way. 

12 comments:

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

They must look so pretty all in bloom, Lisa! I can't wait until something starts to pop here. I may have to pick up some pansies to tide me over.

Karen said...

I live on the Ohio/Michigan line so I am used to long cold winters. I am soooo ready for spring. It was about 45 degrees today and that got me excited. 45 is relatively warm for winter in my neck of the woods.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! We have robins here too. In fact pretty big flocks of them have been landing at our pond for a drink and a bath. I love to watch them.

Your camelias are stunning. We don't seem to have them in Oklahoma. Maybe it gets too cold in the winter? Or too hot in the summer? I'll have to ask.

Malisa said...

Beautiful signs of beautiful things to come!

Malisa

Karen said...

I'm so jealous! I'd love to see some color outside. I bought a couple of bunches of flowers just to "feel" springy, inside. Isn't helping much. :) I love our MI winters, but am really ready for Spring.

Jane said...

Beautiful photos! It does give me hope that spring is on it's way!! We had sunshine and 55 degrees today and it felt great to go to work without my heavy winter coat.
Jane

Erin said...

I saw a whole flock of robins too! It's fun having a blogging friend who lives nearby. :)

Also, do you do garden work for charity? Like for young frazzled mothers, for instance?

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your camelias are beautiful! We have had flocks of robins - along with red winged black birds in are yard this week too! Our snow is almost melted.

I am from Michigan too! I grew up in Hell, Michigan. Where did you grow up?
Penny
p.s. still loving my bags!

Allyson said...

Oh I wish I had flower buds in my yard! Specifically buds on my rose bushes. But I'm waiting. Patiently. Or maybe...not so patiently. I've never heard of Camellias, but that's how I feel about Rhododendrons and Magnolias. Big green, glossy leaves and beautiful opening flowers! The sun is out today and it's going to creep up to...wait for it...44 degrees!!! WOOT. I was raised to look for the first cardinal (also our state bird...noticing a theme) to indicate spring. Have yet to see him. I'm sure the kitties will let me know! I enjoyed kicking off my day with those gorgeous buds of yours!

Unknown said...

What a magnificent photo of that robin. Your Spring photographs are lovely, I can't wait for the new season too.
Karen

Kelly @ turned UP to ELEVEN! said...

You have blooms already. I'm jealous. We've had a wonderful weekend of warm weather and we plan to do yard work today. Your robin comment made me smile I've seen a few of them in our yard and they are all plump and happy!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said...

Fantastic robin pic!