Flowers = Spring?

Many of my blog readers dealt with the bitter cold weather in the Midwest of the USA last week.

I was happy to enjoy a bit of Spring inside and outside our home here in The Netherlands without the constant worry of freezing pipes or frost bite on my fingers and toes.  I really don’t miss that sort of cold!

Don’t laugh when I tell you that we have had bitter cold and a snow spell here too. Although, nothing like what the Midwest just experienced, the North Sea can produce a “wet cold” wind that brings squalls of snow and cold. It also can make anyone want to move to a sunnier location for the months of Dec/Jan/Feb.

Last year we escaped to a sunny location –The Sunny Island Paradise – Fuerteventura. That week the island had more rain in one week than it gets all year.  This year we decided to spend it at home.

As I write I am looking out the window at the sky spitting a snow rain mix. The flakes are getting bigger as I continue to write. Warm enough to melt as it hits the green grassy ground. Blah!

Finally, I was sick of all this dull weather last week. I made my way out of the house on Thursday and purchased some Spring flowers.  Tulips have been available at the local flower shops for two weeks now.  It is always the first signals to the start of the flower season. When this country really shines with blooming wonders.

These fresh tulips when placed in cool water and away from the heater can last two weeks.  As they start to fade I just toss the ragged ones clip the ends a bit and place in fresh cool water.

How much would a bunch of tulips this size cost me in the States?  About $60.00 (€52.00).

Here?  €10.00 ($11.50)

The weekend brought more flowers into the house as the Hubby purchased some for my successful accomplishment of advancing another year.  These are the beautiful yellows of Spring.

The small splashes of color are starting to show outside in the gardens.  Snowdrops, Daffodils, and Violets/Pansies are the first ones to explode with blooms even when the weather can be cold enough to snow.  I took a walk this morning (in my winter jacket, gloves and hat) to capture these images before the afternoon snowfall.

The coming weeks will bring the sun, the days will start getting a bit longer and warmer, the snow will finally stop and will melt.

Even the Midwest of the USA will have Spring.

Enjoy these gifts from us at The Cedar Journal in Holland (The Netherlands).

 

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