Irises...

...just starting to bloom in my back yard. They, like the chives, are so amazing when you see those small "sacs" split open; out emerges a tightly wrapped column that slowly unfurls itself, revealing such beautiful colors. Planting them is like a recurring gift you give to yourself! We had almost an hour of sunlight early this morning & I'm glad I took this photo then, because by 9:00  the dark clouds had rolled in and it's been raining ever since. The first of the big summer festivals begin tonight--Polish Fest--so I hope the weather improves. I'm a huge fan of Polish Pottery, and they have tents full of it, so I love to go and drool over look at all of it; not to mention the wonderful dancers in their beautiful costumes! 
Big thanks to Anni/BikerBear for hosting FlowerFridays, and hope you all have a great weekend.