throwing snowballs...

...in april

this is a flower from the snowball tree which rides the propery line between yards - so whose tree is it really? ours or the neighbors? if it's on the property line? we've never really discussed it... it's just been one of those things after all - it's a tree... you enjoy it, right? we always thought it was interesting because it looks just like snowballs when in full bloom every spring: big, white fluffy balls - compacted together - just like you'd make a snowball. apparently, the tree is a relative to the honeysuckle and native to japan - supposedly it does better in warmer climates to the south, yet here it is flourishing in the mountains...

so much so that several years ago the neighbors - remember the property line issue? - thought the tree was getting out of hand... one day we got home and heard an electric saw buzzing - looking out, mr. x had proceeded to cut back the entire tree down to the stump! yup, the whole tree was gone - without even consulting us. again - whose tree is it when residing on a property line? well, the next year - since mr. x hadn't removed the stump of the tree, new little sprouts began to grow again in the stump... we were thrilled to notice this but didn't mention anything to them about it, in case they hadn't noticed themselves - and one day, they told us they were moving... although sad to see them go, happy - happy, joy - joy for the tree to be able to grow without any hindrances now... and today, being the hardy thing it is - it is back to the original height it was when mr. x cut it down. after only several years... amazing how nature works - how resilient - steadfast - to provide delight in these gorgeous flowers - making for...

a

happy day.....