Since I came back from my vacation with a fine old case of the flu, this morning’s walk began grudgingly. Then I looked off to the right and saw a patch of Dutchman’s breeches.
The rest of the walk went much better. Once you see the first spring wildflowers, your spirits lift, you look for more, and sure enough you find them—violets, ferns, moss, tiny purple beach flowers whose name I do not know—little reminders that the season is turning.
So I feel much better now. But I’m still going back to bed with a cup of tea and a box of tissues. And maybe a wildflower guide. Gotta figure out what that is growing on the beach. [Update 4-29-09: Maybe it’s Moss Phlox? Looks like the drawing in the Peterson Field Guide. Must find out what Ed and Connie Arnfield’s new book, ROADSIDE GUIDE TO MICHIGAN PLANTS, TREES, AND FLOWERS, has to say. First must get well enough to drive over to Northport to their book-signing at Dogears Books.]
Torch Lake Views 
p.j. grath
April 28, 2009
Dutchman’s breeches! That settles it! Sarah and I are going home early today so we can walk in the woods. My “official” re-opening is this Friday, with–how appropriate!–a book signing for ROADSIDE GUIDE TO MICHIGAN PLANTS, TREES, AND FLOWERS, by Ed and Connie Arnfield, from 4 to 6 p.m. It would be SO cool if you could be here, Gerry! Thanks for the pictures.
Gerry
April 28, 2009
I shall consult the Fairy Princess in charge of coolness. One never, ever knows. But I am definitely buying the Arnfields’ book, so save me one please.
torchlakedays
April 29, 2009
Boo on the flu. Yay on the new banner — a dock on Torch Lake. I’m pretending it’s summer and I’m lying on the shore, reading a book.
Gerry
April 29, 2009
Thank you ma’am. I’m looking forward to replacing the banner as soon as those trees on the shore green up . . . As for me, I’m going to go lie on the deck in a patch of sun–in my quilt and SmartWool socks, alas–and read a book.