SPRINGTIME 2022, Week 4: We're sort of back in the saddle again after the freeze two weeks ago. Here's the forsythia that was frozen and nearly dead last week. I've pruned it back some, and the flowers are back, not as abundant as before, and it's beginning to show leaves coming out.

My usual view of the pond from our deck. Hopefully it won't be as obscured this year as is usual. The tulip magnolia (we think) has survived, but the flowers are gone and don't seem to be reappearing. Some of the low-lying brush is coming back, but I'm working hard with the brush cutter to keep it under control.

The fire pit view has most emphatically changed. The picture is a little dark, but that's the trunk of an 80⁺ foot tall pine tree lying across the top of the fire pit. Luckily it missed the barn (and house ... and me) when it fell. Damage to the fire pit doesn't appear extensive, but we won't know for sure til the trunk is cut up and removed. Otherwise, the view is normal for this time of year -- I've already cleared the brush, and the trees are still bare. No buds in evidence yet.

Here's another view of the fire pit area showing the remains of the top of the fallen pine. The remaining pines appear healthy, and the deciduous trees are still bare.

Here's the house, taken from down the road a bit. That's a small patch of mountain laurel at the bottom, and as you can see the trees are still bare. By next week we should see some budding and I'm hopeful that the dogwoods on the other side of the house will be in bloom.

Finally, the road to civilization. As usual, the trees are barren, but the road should be returning to its tunnel-like status soon.

Until next week then. Pictures from the pond if it's warm enough for the trek....