Red Poppy Buzz - Missoula, Montana

Red poppies were this morning's hot spot for our neighbourhood bees - and even with some blossom sharing (aka caring, haha...)! Among the buzzing patch, this one bloom hosted four or five different bees, cycling through in a do-si-do dance switcheroo. 

Castle Museum Turret - White Sulpher Springs, Montana

Finally caught a tour at the charming Castle Museum and Carriage House in White Sulpher Springs, Montana - and glad we did! Built in 1892 by a westward-wandering cousin of Union General William Tecumseh Sherman, the Castle is also known in the National Historic Register as the Byron R. Sherman House. Check out its key feature described in this Waymarking article. 

Pasque Flower Progression - Missoula, Montana -

Our neighbourhood pasque flower's 'before and after' are both charming! 

Pasque Flowers for Mother's Day - Missoula, Montana

...suddenly, starkly i realize: 

all the stories i know

of things long ago 

are my mother's

-cj hull

Grateful thanks on this Mother's Day to all the story sharers and history keepers who enrich our roots with context.

(Hmmm...could we say stories are the compost that grow strong foundational roots, anchoring us to the past so we can grow freely up and out into our unique future? More coffee needed to ponder any deeper - deeper like roots , haha!)

(& thanks to the folks a few blocks over for sharing with the neighbourhood their patch of lovely, mesmerizing pasque flowers on the sidewalk side of their fence!)

Suddenly Spring Leaf Light - Missoula, Montana

Watch - daily, fisted 

buds unfurl to full-leaf green. 

Suddenly, it's spring.

- cj hull

A Riot of Apple Blossoms - Missoula, Montana

A flutter of sparrows, gaggle of geese, conspiracy of ravens, obstinancy of bison, parliament of owls, sleuth of bears.... so many poetic descriptors for gathered feathered and furred creatures! On the floral side, perhaps can designate a 'riot of apple blossoms'?

Spring Snow and Lilac Buds - Missoula, Montana

Today's spring snow Pros vs. Cons:

Pros: Beautiful snow in the surrounding mountains = more precious snowpack to stave off fire season.

Cons: Oh, my poor wee lilac buds!  (But they are of hardy Montana stock and have survived worse!)

Springing Up Sheriff Signs - Near St Regis, Montana

For the critical 'location, location, location', Banks for Sheriff picked a winner with this gorgeous green spring field along I-90 near St Regis, Montana - with bonus scenic mountain views! 

While I try my best to avoid politics, they do get my vote for Best Montana Campaign Signage!