Spring Continues

Flowering Tree on our Walk
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

A conundrum. I couldn't decide this morning whether to rant about our President planning to commit War Crimes or the springtime explosion of flowers here in Maryland. 

I decided on flowers. 

Why? Well because I guess if the Congress is not interested in protecting America from a wannabe war criminal, I guess I should not be too concerned either. 

Maple Tree Helicopters Preparing for Launch
Odenton, MD
March 30, 2026

The Spring explosion of flowers is beautiful. Spring in South Florida arrives gradually. There are some trees that lose leaves for the Autumn and replace them during Spring, but they are relatively few. Mostly what happens is about 50 percent of the deciduous tree leaves are replaced over the course of the Winter. The leaves fall all the time; clogging the gutters and downspouts. I was able to convince our COA to have leaf guards installed on the gutters that are most susceptible to leaf blockages.

Chris and I have enjoyed watching the progression of Spring in the trees and flowers here in Maryland. When we arrived, the trees showed only sporadic signs of leaves. But now, the red and green leaf buds are everywhere and actual leaves are beginning to appear. 

Along with the leaves, we are seeing ducks, geese, and turtles in the pond nearby. And turtles! There apparently was an explosion of turtles because I counted at least 10 the other day. With the temperature headed for 80 degrees today, I'm sure there will be turtles and additional wildlife to enjoy and document. 

-- Bob Doan, Odenton, MD