SPRING LIVES, Episode 7.

We're in the semifinals this week - next week should be the end of the series if it continues as it has so far. Here's the usual view from the deck:

Compared to last week, it's over. The ridgeline across the pond is completely gone, and only that small slice of the pond at the base of the stairs is visible. All of the trees have filled out and I'm not sure the foliage can get any denser.

The change looking down the path to the fire pit is equally dramatic. Much, much greener, and I expect the foliage will be denser next week even though the underbrush along this section of our property has been cleared out the past two years.

Here's the house, with the picture taken higher up the hill and much closer than last week. Note that the foliage behind the house has thickened considerably, as has the grass (read 'weeds') in the foreground. I'm thinking of clearing that out and planting some shade-tolerant turf grass, but that's still down a ways on the 'To Do' list.

Finally, the pond. This picture was takes slightly to the left of where I stood last week (to keep in the shade so the picture isn't washed out) and notice that the house has completely disappeared. It won't show again until late next fall.

And this week, a bonus picture: the dock and paddle boat as the base of the stair. It was gorgeous out this morning after the rain, and I wasted more than a few minutes watching the bass and bluegill cruise around along the dock and shoreline.

Last week's pictures are here for comparison.