Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

The State of Spring Here

Unlike most of you to the south and west, spring takes its time arriving here in New Hampshire.  It took some getting used to after living in Maryland for so many years.

Here is what is blooming now.

Plenty of daffodils with more varieties still in bud stage.



Creeping phlox is a nice bloom and color for this time of year.


I mowed the lawn for the first time this year but mowed it high so the violets and dandelions remain for the bees.   The hummingbird feeder is up as of an hour ago.  I haven't checked the hummingbird map to see if they've been spotted this far north.  But I'm ready for them.


Peonies are sprouting.


Another view of daffodils.  These are doubles thanks to Vicki Lane in NC.  I think this is their second season and they have multiplied well.


Other daffs in the same garden.


The green leaves of lilies show they have multiplied too.


These are the stepping stones for the deck in this garden and the grass needs to be pulled.


Remember my forsythia? It's still an anemic bloomer.  Not sure the reason for it this year.


Before I went to Greece I planted snow peas, sugar snap peas and lettuce in my raised bed. I watered these after I took this photo. The brown cup is a sunflower I got for free at the Earth Day celebration Saturday on the green.  I planted it after taking this photo and watered it well but don't know how it will fare.


The view of the hill behind shows color in the trees.


Another view of the deck garden.  Dan hasn't gotten out our chairs yet.


This is a new garden space.  We share the hillside with the soon to be new library.  I planted daffodils last fall and look forward to their spreading through the years on this hillside.  There are day lilies planted there too.  They do well with daffodils.  Our single rhododendron is to the left.  Will it survive?  To the right is a clump of myrtle I hope will spread too. I need to bring the rocks down to make a straight edge between those two half circles to make it easier to mow.


I have one lenten rose but in a color that doesn't really stand out.


It's such a shy flower and doesn't like to show its face.


Another shot of the rock garden. Grass needs to be pulled from there too.


 No tulips in bloom yet.  I have some in the front of the house in bud and will share those another time.

Monday, April 27, 2026

Flowers in the Greek Islands

Spring was a good time to travel to Greece - no crowds, low temperatures and flowers in bloom.
The background settings were perfect for the flowers.



















What flowers did you recognize?

 

Friday, April 24, 2026

Almost Home

 Sitting in the Toronto airport having flown here from Athens today. We are waiting for our flight to Boston. We wish that Road Scholar had booked us directly from Boston to Athens and return. Discovered there was such a flight when we met a couple from Boston on this trip. I don’t know why I didn’t make that query when Road Scholar booked our flight. I’ll know if there’s ever a next time. 

Since my last Postcard we have seen some awesome ancient sites. Here is a just a teaser or two. 

Akrotiri on Thera also known as Santorini



In Turkey there was Ephesus



In Kos we visited an ancient hospital, Asklepios




Much more to come in weeks ahead. 



Sunday, April 19, 2026

Postcard from Syros Island

Our first island stop. Rough seas delayed our departure from Athens and itinerary had to be changed. 



We had a wonderful walking tour at 9 am Sunday. We joined two other couples for lunch at a nice restaurant we found. 



Many more photos once I return home.