We lingered in the 50s throughout April cold, damp April showers, never once creeping into the 60s, and precious few sunny days. We’ve started seeing the promised May flowers and temperatures in the upper 80s.

Two violet blooms against a grassy backdrop.
Violets in time for Mother’s Day bouquets

Plants are starting to go into the garden spaces. We set up new planter beds up on the deck for herbs, finally replacing the smaller pots we lost in the 2020 August Derecho.

My tennis elbow persists, and it’s time to start the drastic measures. I went for a cortisone shot last week.

My doctor put me on light stretching and no repetitive activity. That takes out both knitting and crocheting, which I find inconvenient. Yarncrafting soothes the artist in my soul.

I need to schedule physical therapy again to continue working on this.

A single yellow dandelion bloom in the grass.
Or, if you’re patient, perhaps your preference is dandelions for wine.

Instead of picking up yarn and my hooks or needles, I’m using this gift of time to focus on building up my writing portfolio.

I’m also enjoying the perennials as they begin to bloom in my front garden. The early daffodils are almost gone, but the late spring daffies have taken their place. They’re blooming in abundance.

A closeup of three white daffodils.
I think this is the most I’ve seen my white daffodils blooming.

Given it’s supposed to be in the 90s on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, I need to enjoy them before the heat gets them.