Sunday, April 26, 2009

Seasonal Profusions



Spring in DC is not stingy; it doesn't hold back. If Spring was some guy in a bar, it would be one of those friendly and ebullient people who talks loudly - and too much - and wears Hawaiian shirts. If spring was a guy in a bar it would buy drinks for the house. Yep, spring in DC is generous, almost to a fault.

It isn't in any hurry either. Unlike spring seasons in other places I've lived, right here Spring strolls slowly across the American midatlantic, adorning every square inch with color, shape and fragrance. Spring in DC is an outrageous piece of performance art.

Though not entranced by the green dust, I do love the bravado of spring. Even the weather is showy and in-your-face. Last night, for instance, after a super hot and breezy day, the twins Lightning and Thunder rolled through town, along with just enough rain to settle the green dust from yesterday's tree orgy. We had it all yesterday: heat, blinding sunlight, a few puffy clouds, plenty of pollen, then a sound and light show and a nice cool drink. Wow.

One great thing about Jake's advanced age is that thunderstorms no longer frighten him. I think he must be mostly deaf because although he was slightly concerned by the flashes of lightning, he did not feel compelled to wedge himself behind the toilet as he used to. There are some benefits to old age. Indeed!

20 comments:

Mary said...

Your description of your yesterday is one of the reasons I moved back to the Midwest. Weather gives such interest to life - and is a constant reminder to literally, "Make hay while the sun shines". I never waste a beautiful day!! In California I know I lost 1000's of sunny days because, ho-hum, it would be the same again and again.

Reya Mellicker said...

The "weather" in California didn't do a thing for me, either.

Andrea said...

When the rain stopped last evening, I sat outside and watched the light show - I call it heat lightening. One of the many things I love about living here!

the Spearman's said...

Reya your descrition of spring in D.C. was so enchanted, what a way to start my morning. Here in TX it is already a balmy 66 and the highs this week are reaching towards the 90s. Enjoy!

Cheryl Cato said...

Sweet Jake... good puppy. Isn't it funny how even when our puppies get old we still refer to them thusly.

Beautiful photos.

Evening Light Writer said...

I was in the flat part of my state on Friday when the storm hit. I live in the mountains, we don't get the luxury of seeing lightening tick and scratch on the horizon like I saw driving in my car. I think in many ways the presence of seasons helps to keep you close to the land. I call it heat lightening too Andrea..all bark and no bite.

R.L. Bourges said...

I once had a dog who was terrifed of storms. When it started rumbling, she'd try to climb up into the sink for some reason (?). Once, I happened to be listening to Beethoven's 6th and, on a whim, I put the headphones on her. She calmed right down and listened to Beethoven's orchestrated storm in perfect contentment. Go figure. I guess that's art for you.

Colors on parade in Washington, Reya. Keep rolling them out, they're gorgeous.

Joanne said...

Sounds like New England weather, where they say "If you don't like the weather, wait 15 minutes. It'll change." Your D.C. spring sounds enchanting.

Joanna said...

I envy you your spring weather. On Canada's west coast spring is a torturer. It gives you a glimpse of warmth to get you out into the garden for the afternoon, then pulls back and the cold descends again. It was in the 30s the past two nights. Some time I'd like to experience an exuberant spring like yours.

Unknown said...

A lovely description of what you love about spring-- & the photos are gorgeous.

Elizabeth said...

I'm glad the guy is wearing a Hawaaiian shirt --so gaudy and such fun.

Poor Jake being frightened of thunder...

California Girl said...

that's an orgy of color your're providing us with. I had never seen a peony until I lived in Richmond, Va.

CocoDivaDog said...

Spring has finally sprung!
And so has my seasonal allergies.

Ronda Laveen said...

Where I live in upper northern California, spring is absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, it is over as quickly as a tryst with a premature lover.

My male dog, Maaco the Crazed, is terrified of thunder and lightning. Tries to hide in all kinds of illogical places. I am hoping for the buffering of old age. Maybe I should try RLs Beethoven headphone trick DURING a storm.

Susan said...

I very much enjoy your blog. The photos are so beautiful. I identify with the relationship you have with Jake. I can't seem to find your followers list. (I'm sure it's right in front of me somewhere.)I'd love to add myself as one.

Nancy said...

Your descriptions and metaphors are so wonderful! I can just see that guy at the bar..

Spring at Tahoe is the guy at the bar that sits quietly, watching everyone. Then at some point the drinks loosen him up, and a new man emerges!

We're at the second drink stage - very cool, not much green, but daffodils a bloom.

Delwyn said...

Hi Reya,
funny too how dogs can sense the approaching storm in advance.
Kealia was our warning system desperate to get inside and hide in the laundry before we had any inkling of the storm's arrival.

Those azalea are vibrant...we have a heat proof variety here.
Happy dog days

Merle Sneed said...

Like a guy in a Hawaiian shirt. A lovely simile.

Janelle said...

oh glorious glorious! thanks for sharing a profusion of light, colour and magnificence so aptly! beautiful. i can smell your spring from here...love always XXX j

ellen abbott said...

I love your description of spring. But especially the twins, lightning and thunder. We get some awesome thunderstorms here as well.