I think I'm ready for Spring. I want to smell flowering trees and hear bees buzzing. I want to sit on ground that's still slightly chill, while the sun warms my skin, like I did in this New Hampshire apple orchard last May.
I'm over root vegetables. I really am. I want to be excited each time the Greenmarket has another beautiful early vegetable. I want to eat a stalk of asparagus pulled right out of the ground. I want to make a salad of tender baby lettuces. A risotto with tiny little peas.
Apple Orchard Study, by Sophie Bearman
I want to be looking forward to the first tomatoes, and when they finally arrive I want to weigh one, warm in my hand, and then take an impulsive juicy bite.
I also want to thank my daughter for giving me a little bit of Spring with this watercolor of that New Hampshire apple orchard.
Yes, I'm ready.
Oh my God, an actual meadow!!
I've never been in one. Most everywhere here is the sun beating down on grass/rice fields/trees/concrete. Only two places where flowers run rampant.
Posted by: Manggy | February 16, 2008 at 08:19 AM
What stunning photos these are, Ann. And your daughter is quite talented. Please tell her I think her watercolor is truly lovely.
Posted by: Susan from Food Blogga | February 16, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Amen to all of that Ann :D I am almost holding my breath and waiting for Spring :D Lovely photos!!
Posted by: Bellini Valli | February 16, 2008 at 10:01 AM
The watercolor is lovely. And the meadow is beautiful.
I posted about my own longing for spring a few days ago. It can't come soon enough.
Posted by: Donna | February 16, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Lovely photographs Ann! Makes me wish I was there. Sophie's painting is just gorgeous.
Posted by: Cakelaw | February 16, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Those are beautiful photos... I don't blame you for being ready for spring but I live in Florida and I'm ready for some 50's or 60's! Actually it is perfect weather here right now so I should not complain but I do miss the seasons. Maybe a strawberry and pistachio tart will help you get through this?
Posted by: Aran | February 16, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Ahhh the Spring. I can't wait either! :-)
Thank you for the preview. I love the watercolor painting.
Posted by: Zenchef | February 16, 2008 at 10:33 PM
I hear you re: root vegetables. One more good soup and then I too am done!
Posted by: Skrockodile (Sabra) | February 16, 2008 at 11:48 PM
AMEN sistah!!!! ...and as I write, we're expecting yet another storm carrying freezing rain and blowing snow. I'm definitely having a Calgon moment!!!
Posted by: giz | February 17, 2008 at 12:22 AM
It's when ramps become available...then you know spring has officially started. Then the asparagus...then everything. I can't wait.
Though I have to say, I had a little taste of summer today, as I finally swallowed my skepticism and bought some hydroponic tomatoes from the Shushan Valley Hydro Farm stand at Union Square Greenmarket. They didn't hold a candle to summer heirlooms, but they were quite good for beefsteak tomatoes from any season. They have basil too.
And I second (or third) the praise for the painting - the colors are just beautiful.
Posted by: anna | February 17, 2008 at 12:33 AM
Oh how I long for spring...but here the snow just won't go away. My little heart thanks you and your daughter for these lovely photos and painting!
Posted by: Lore | February 17, 2008 at 05:36 AM
Lovely painting. :) I want it to be spring, too. New England has too much winter. Next year, I'm petitioning to cut February short. We really don't need all 28 days, do we?
Posted by: Adele | February 17, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Your pictures are lovely and I love Sophie's painting. We actually have had snow all around us this week but today is sunny and in the 70's.
Posted by: Mary Anne | February 17, 2008 at 04:57 PM
Sigh. It was a warm day today when we were in Portland, OR...but I know we still have a lot of winter left in the NW. I am so ready too though!
Posted by: Cakespy | February 17, 2008 at 11:43 PM