Mission Accomplished

I arrived at my daughter's safe and sound! 

The trip here was bit of a test for me and I passed it, at least with respect to realizing my limitations, or on a more positive note, realizing what I CAN do. I was fine for the first 2 hours of driving but at that 2-hour point, my arms and shoulders rebelled. I kept going, but should have stopped and taken a break at that point and will remember that for the road home. I will take a preventative rest break before my arms get upset with me.

My other goal was to not nap and to spend time outdoors. "Outdoors" at their house is so much more interesting than at mine! I spent a lot of time wandering around the woods and down into the ravine and along  the creek looking for signs of spring.

There are more promising signs of spring here than back at my house. What a difference a few miles south and west make! They have a longer garden season and a larger variety of birds that pass through. I am always amazed at the blip-ops this acreage offers! 

I started in the woods where huge patches of daffodils are blooming. (first extra) In one area they are the result of my daughter planting a few that spread, and in the other spot on the edge of the ravine, there is a massive carpet of them that were there when they bought the property and are still flourishing. Each area of yellow daffodils is dotted with purple...(Mother Nature knows her colour chart well!)  either grape hyacinths or periwinkle. I restrained myself from picking the flowers, but my son-in-law did and there, on the dinner table...surprise... was a little bouquet. (third extra) 

In my enthusiasm of taking photos of said daffodils..I almost stepped on a snake; it was only a garter snake..nothing sinister, but a bit startling! (it is the fourth extra so if you don't like snakes, even harmless ones, don't look! ) 

Later I took another walk down into the ravine to check out the creek. (note to Knottman2 - I did use my hiking poles) Nothing was in bloom down there, but there were huge branches and tree limbs in, over and along the water, which I assume is the debris left behind after the strong winds and storms of winter. Apparently this spring, "the crick DID rise" and caused a lot of flooding. I can see why. 

After climbing back up out of the ravine at a more open part of the property, I was treated to carpets of Spring Beauties ( Claytonia) stretching out across the grass..beautiful little pink and white flowers that I was not successful capturing en-masse but just had to include in close-up (second extra)

I had a lovely day (and a bonus of wonderful meals) with my daughter and son-in-law. It has been a real treat to see them again. 

AND..I did not nap and I even stayed up to watch the hockey game! Applause please.