Calendar says Spring????

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The Sand Hill Cranes, Robins and Red Winged Blackbirds have returned; the daffodils are about 4 inches out of the ground but it is snowing.

One of the perennial bulbs in our flower bed is called an Imperial Crown.  It also is out of the ground about 5 inches.  It is such a regal looking flower, I love it because it comes up so early and can take the cold (20 degrees F) temperature of today.  The blooms won't open for quite awhile yet and they last for many days.  The one big drawback to this flower is the bulb smells like a skunk.

It does multiply (slowly) but I resist digging them up to transplant because of the odor.  It is strong.  Fotunately, not in the flower or leaves.

Another sign of spring - in honor of my sister and friend Deb.... Nascar season is well underway.

March on in, Spring

It still is too early for spring here but the month of March is the "get on your mark" signal for me to look forward to that season.  The end of winter is a bittersweet event because early winter has the wonderful holidays of Thanksgiving and especially Christmas.  Then January- February our creative juices build up like sap in the maples.  Our customers often reward themselves during that period or settle into the gratifying routine of crafting items for others as gifts or for sale.

One of those customers, Michelle from PA, has a blog I really enjoy  as she shares tips she has learned while needle felting.  She creates one of a kind needle felted collectibles.  The blog, www.runredrun.com, has links to her etsy, Facebook and her other sites.

.	This is Leia from Star Wars, one of Michelle's current designs.  I like the Waldorf style of doll making when you can imagine your own thoughts in the doll, Leia is perfect for me.