Reflections on My 40 Years in Umbria

I have always been at a loss to identify just what it is that constitutes that "certain something" in the air which "spells" early spring! It is certainly not merely the warmer temperatures, or the brighter light, the colors, deeper shadows, the wild flowers, the flowering weeds, the swelling of bulbs and blossoms, the flowering bushes and trees, the chorus of birds, the bees busy at work, the arrival of butterflies, lizards and other spring birds....It must simply be a combination of many or all of these things which create the undeniable and undefinable "certain something" in the air - the arrival of spring in a music-like crescendo - similar to an explosion!

My hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, crocus, ranuncoli, and anemoni have bloomed and faded - the almond, apricot, peach, pommegranate, pear and apple branches have shed their flowers, exposing the swollen buds of the fruit to come - the cherry and plums trees, the last to bloom, are magnificently dressed.

New wild flowers have appeared, wild asparagus are everywhere - often making for an easy and quick...and FRESH dinner along with eggs or pasta - the jasmine is budding, the mahonia is spectacular. A walk in the garden is a supreme treat!