Walking the Yard to Escape Coronavirus

Azalea in the Rain
Elkridge, MD
April 23, 2020

The rains returned for the weekend. Despite their appearance, we were able to accomplish some outdoors projects yesterday and even enjoy a some time around our fire pit last evening. 

Lily of the Valley
Elkridge, MD
April 25, 2020

As the springtime continues the next round of flowers are blooming--the azaleas and the lily of the valley. 

Walking around my lawn and gardens helps me take my mind off the coronavirus pandemic for a few needed moments. It allows me to clear my mind of the constant din of the news and focus upon something different. I need that. 

The rain, even though I am not a huge fan, brings cleansing and I love the smell of the air after a rain. It is clean and smells of spring and life. 

Because of the coronavirus and the self-isolation, I have been tracking the progression of the springtime  more intently this year. I have noticed the progression of the leaves--from the autumnal-like reds and oranges of bud break to the now fully green leaves. I have watched the progression of the flowers as they mark the phases of the deepening Spring--and serve to provide a continuing source of nourishment for the bees. I have even been happy to see the bats return to the evening sky above my house. 

Each time I notice something new or changed, my mind forgets--just for a moment, about the global struggle in which we are engaged. And I find some peace. 

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD