Wood Violets....

Yesterday & today we've had the most wonderful weather that we've had in a long time, & it's supposed to be more of the same in the week to come! Mid 60's, sunny, & perfect to be outside in! Tom and I went to the park for a walk & there were a lot of people who had the same idea--big groups of people meandering, people walking their dogs, riding bikes, running--you know spring is finally here when people all come out of their houses! There were masses of these wood violets blooming everywhere you looked along the path--these are the State flower of Wisconsin (and being both pretty and abundant, they're also the State flower of Illinois, New Jersey and Rhode Island). State flowers were first nominated in 1908 and the voting took place on Arbor Day of 1909, when the school children of Wisconsin voted & chose these little violets for our State flower. The leaves are supposedly very tasty and can be used in salads, candies, and jellies.........I'll take their word for it!   :))