The Last to Leave
This photo was taken on May 19, 2015 at 9:10 AM.
The location was in my back yard in Bethesda, Maryland.
The "Take It!" came from my spending a few minutes looking at some of the maintenance tasks I needed to perform in and around the back yard of my house. Some of these projects I have put
off as I was waiting for a return of general personal strength from having had some major surgery, now almost three years ago. I could have hired someone to do these things ( such as power
washing the concrete slab behind the house as well as the back deck ) however wanted to wait and have the satisfaction of doing them myself once again as a way of letting myself know I had the
return of the necessary energy to get this sort of stuff done. I am happy to report that more later, than sooner, my "oomph" is slowly returning, and one by one, I am getting into the
satisfaction of engaging in and completing these tasks.
Back to the reason for the photo - lol. I am lucky to have nice neighbors that are very conscious about keeping their yard in great order. They have large trees in their back yard
that offer shade to not only their house but mine as well. One of their smaller trees is the pictured dogwood that has a few branches that hang into my backyard. Each spring there is
the great display of blossoms on this tree that help herald the announcement that Spring has arrived. The duration of the blossoms on this variety of tree differs greatly, which is just one more
of the wonders of nature. For instance, I have a similar tree in my back yard that has long ago shed its blossoms and is into the full summer shade mode. Thus I am amazed at how these two
near to each other have blossoms that keep on hanging on. The day I am writing this account is May 26th and the blossoms are still there. I keep thinking there is some special message being
given to me, and they are not going to leave until I get it, lol. I think I will let the message be: That I am on the edge of being spellbound by their dedication and hope that this
can serve to release them from their vigil. Secretly, I would like for them to stay there all summer.
The After Take: We really have not fully reached the "after" but in the meantime, those who have seen this photo are quite taken with the beauty of these two remaining
wonderfully shaped blossoms, backed with the underside of rich green leaves. The contrast of green and white also plays a part in the pleasantness of this tapestry in nature.
Not all of nature is kind. Thus as Spring is giving way to Summer, our good wishes and sympathy go out to those who are enduring the results of some of the most harsh weather I have ever seen.
Whenever danger is presenting itself in the form of bad weather, please heed the warnings and be of help to others when possible.
I had best get going as those power washing jobs are waiting - lol.
Sending every best wish,
Bruce
Write a comment
Gabe (Friday, 29 May 2015 16:32)
I remember years ago reading one of your updates here on the site you had mentioned your surgery. Im glad to see you report your health is returning. I do not remember what type of surgery you mentioned, but as someone that frequents your site 2-3 times per weke, I am happy you are able to continue entertaining me.
Treehugger (Friday, 29 May 2015 16:33)
They are beautiful, about as white as nature can provide. You are lucky to have such beauty in your backyard!
Mike (Friday, 29 May 2015)
I wish they stuck around longer. It seems like all the blooms on that coast come and go inside of a couple weeks.
Sally (Saturday, 30 May 2015 17:22)
The tree looks incredibly healthy, the leaves are such a lush green. Gorgeous flowers, I do not think I have ever seen those before.
Jim (Saturday, 30 May 2015 17:23)
The wife wants one now....Such is life.
Teri (Saturday, 30 May 2015 17:24)
If you showed me the picture without the location below, I would have guessed it was a Hawaiian plant.
Livin4love (Friday, 05 June 2015 17:56)
I like the title you came up with, pun intended?