Springtime Flowers are Starting to Bloom!

In our alpine world, we lag behind much of the rest of our country in terms of spring flowers. Only a few species are blooming now.

One is our wild crocus, also known as a Pasqueflower. They are popping up from every snow-free spot on the ground. I love their brilliant yellow.

And I love their petals with purple highlights.

Over our years here, the Pasqueflower has come to represent all my dreams for the coming spring and summer. I love when it is blooming because we have months and months of daylight, sunshine, and relaxation ahead of us.

One reason why Pasqueflowers can thrive as our earliest bloomer is that they can close their petals tightly whenever it snows or gets cold. I've seen a blossom survive a snowstorm of several feet. It emerged after the big melt to open its petals to the sunshine once again!

Most of our world still looks dormant. Dried grass and flowers still dominate the meadows where Shyla and I play.

However, I've started to see a tiny hint of green in some places. Do you see it in the aspen grove behind Shyla as she took a flying leap?

My Shyla has continued her wonderful new habit of "covering my back" while I focus in on tiny flowers. It takes all my concentration to get a flower that is only a half inch across into focus. Shyla is even more wonderful than these "Spring Beauty" flowers!

Happy Springtime. We have so much to look forward to!