Spring—the vernal equinox—arrives officially March 19 at 11:49 p.m. EDT! According to space.com, it will be the earliest spring in 124 years. I hope that seeing trees budding, shrubs blooming, and spring flowers bursting with color will make the world a bit brighter for everyone. We could all use some cheering up, given the effects of the global pandemic of the novel coronavirus pandemic. I know I’m fortunate to able to “self-isolate” in such a peaceful place.
I just finished my walk, and today it was more of a ramble, especially after I noticed a bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) blooming. And then another. Several more were too far down the creek bank for me to get close. The most abundant wildflower around here now is golden ragwort (Packera aurea), although the common blue violets (Viola sororia) are beginning to add color in the Hollow. And I enjoy spotting the much smaller American field pansies (Viola bicolor) in a few places alongside the road.
I’ve written several times about seeing deer as I ramble. Today I saw this little doe (2019 fawn) as I rounded a bend. I expected her to run off, but she walked toward me until she got close and finally crossed the road in front of me. I’ll probably be seeing her in a little while when I go down to feed.
I never know where I’ll see a deer. Lil Buck showed up one day and ate birdseed on the patio.
There are other critters in the Hollow, of course, including in my house. These two (Cisco and Pancho) are new additions to the family. It’s a great time to have in-home entertainment!
And now it’s time to feed the deer and check on the muchachos (who are confined to my bedroom until they can be introduced to my two older cats). And right now they are wearing cones when not being supervised since they were neutered only last week.
I hope this post finds you and yours in good health. It’s hard to know what the future will bring, but it should bring another post from me before too long. Keep safe and stay well!
French Broad Hollow Ramble 
Hi Julia,
Thanks for sharing! I didn’t realize this was an early spring although the allergies should have given it away. Thank you for sharing your photos and rambles! Anne
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On Wed, Mar 18, 2020 at 3:23 PM French Broad Hollow Ramble wrote:
> jhartman51 posted: ” Spring—the vernal equinox—arrives officially > March 20 at 11:49 p.m. EDT! According to space.com, it will be the > earliest spring in 124 years. I hope that seeing trees budding, shrubs > blooming, and spring flowers bursting with color will make the wor” >
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