back to spring

         I've made some photos that have benefited from this year's spring leaves being later and slower to show themselves.  At the same time I've had a request from someone who has never been to this part of the northeastern Appalachian mountains to explain our version of "straight roads" or the number of curves per mile in certain places. Had the various trees been already laden with leaves, some of the curves would have been even harder to see. At the same time, this year's seriously damaging ice storm helped open spaces in the woods that had not been there before -- I like to think it's another proof that the forest knows its part on how to help nature's healing.

        In any case, I have really enjoyed being out and about with a camera this past week during this cool, wet, and therefore lingering spring in northeastern Kentucky.

 

 

 

       

The Marathon pipeline shows off our hills and their challenges.

mayapples, with a blossom in the ready

 

 

 

 

redbud tree in transition

the dogwood, under a fallen limb, beautifully blooming

mud mansion

    I wanted to end with this "last lilac" photo, out there all by itself, survivor of the ice storm, a vision of faith in the future, even though the wind was blowing while I was marveling at it.

     I hope this has been a good week for everyone, stay healthy, speak up for justice, and here's a big welcome and bravo to Chrystal Wilkinson, Kentucky's newest poet laureate!