Although it has been quite cold and rainy this spring, hope still springs eternal and new life pops up even in shady conditions.

My ‘Smokey Bear” daffodils were planted years and years ago around some pine trees and they, happily, continue to send up blooms. I have given up on other tuber-type flowers as the deer and other critters get them almost immediately before they begin to flower…and that’s just sad.

I whipped up some strawberry crumble. Although a wee bit flat, still tasty. The strong Lapsang Souchong tea complimented the uber-sweetness of the strawberry jam.

I am still blown away with the delicate Belleek Classic Shamrock tea cup I picked up on eBay earlier in the year. The thin handle and almost translucent cup make one extra careful when handling it. It also produces an abundance of heat.

The grass is starting to green-up in the lawn and buds on the trees are finally appearing. It all seems slow with these cooler temps and lack of sunshine, but I’m sure it’s par for the course for spring in Maine.

It won’t be long before the black flies and mosquitoes descend on us…but until then, I will enjoy sitting outside without bug repellent applied.

Cheers!