Landscape showing signs of spring

Despite the lack of moisture, signs of spring can be seen as we wander around in our town and county. Although a number of fruit trees bloomed a bit early and were caught by some frost, others managed to bloom a little later, giving us the idea that we might have some fresh fruit to eat later in the year.

Tulips and daffodils have been showing off for several weeks and have added their beautiful colors to the rather dull landscape left by the cold weather. Just looking at those colorful plants makes the day brighter and the wind less bothersome. They seem to announce Easter and the celebration of life we feel at this time of year.

Even lilac bushes have been glowing with their blossoms waving in the breezes. Looking at those brings back the memories of having seen such bushes at so many of the homesteads throughout our county. Some still remain on the original sites to show that they are just as sturdy as were those pioneers. I can remember riding by some of those deserted places when I was young and pausing to smell the lilacs that bloomed unattended but not unnoticed.

The hardy wild flowers are trying to show their colors and are letting us know they are still around. Although the clumps are fairly small, the verbenas are just beginning to bloom as are the tiny white asters. During seasons when we have had plenty of moisture, we have seen those wild ones lining the roadsides. They are still there, but they don't show up if we are speeding along. We need to take time to look for them and to know they are not disappointing us this spring. They are just struggling more than usual.

Pastures are also beginning to show little tinges of green as the grass tries to break through the trampled ground. The bright green can be seen in the low places in which the last moisture stood for a while before evaporating or soaking into the soil. Just watching the cattle grazing in those areas lets us know how much they appreciate that tasty growth.

Thus far, the mesquites in the valley in the area in which I drive regularly have not put on any leaves, but the branches are beginning to turn light green. They may be a little slower this year because a lot of them were frozen back last year and barely showed much growth before the end of the season. Of course, the natives look to them to let us know when to plant things in order to keep them from being killed by frost. Once-in-a-while, even the mesquites are fooled by our shifting seasons.

As we enjoy the coming of spring, let's take time to wish each other a most blessed Easter!

Lynn Moncus is a Tucumcari resident and can be contacted through the Quay County Sun by calling 461-1952.