LILAC TIME!

"Go down to Kew in lilac time (it isn't far from London!)
And you shall wander hand in hand with love in
summer's wonderland."
Alfred Noyes 1880-1958 "Barrel Organ" st 5


Finally, some lovely sunny WARM weather! I just took a neighborhood stroll along with "Baby Blue" my little Soni digital camera, to take some photographs especially of the mountains which are so clear today they look close enough to reach out and touch. They are still covered with plenty of snow which make them even prettier. Along the way I noticed so many flowers blooming in gardens and all the trees are sprouting their rich new greenery. But most of all, I noticed the lilacs. I love lilacs, especially their sweet fragrance. I saw one variety, curly white tinged with rose, and several other trees with the traditional mauve shades. I had to take some close-up photos and breathe in their fragrance. It's so energizing to have a day like this -- at last! -- after months of rain and cold. So far this week the weather has been perfect, albeit a bit chilly at night. (I got fooled yesterday and wore sandals and a light cotton jacket so I nearly froze while waiting for buses to get home late at night.)

I hope the good weather persists as I am soon off on my holidays -- Six more sleeps! One week from today I will have arrived in Venice, my dream destination. For certain it will be sunny there, and in Greece where I'll be heading on May 22. I am longing for a swim in the sea and a day basking in the hot Mediterranean sun. Imagine me a week from now sitting in St. Mark's Square sipping a cold drink and watching the passing throngs. (Maybe chasing the pigeons, as I was told this would be something I should really try to do!)

Meanwhile, I will try to relax as I've been feeling stressed out lately with a sore back and too much to do. I'm sure more of this sunshine and the sweet smell of lilacs will be a good tonic though, and by the time next week arrives I will feel much more rested and prepared to make the long flight. The thought of a cruise down the canal in a gondola as my reward makes it all the more exciting!

"I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds and bowers:
Of April, May, of June, and July flowers..."
Robert Heirich 1591-1674 "Hesperides" (1648)