I’ve been weeding, weed wacking (or is it whacking?), and mowing – and there’s so much more to do. I worked outdoors for much of the day yesterday – a very, very windy day, I might add. The property is bursting with that sort of lush green that only happens in the spring. The peony buds are getting fat. I see some buds forming on the rose bushes – but not on my largest rose bush. Hmmm. Most years, there would be more plants blooming at this point, but I’d say we’re at least two weeks behind.
The climbing hydrangea has really taken off this year. Unfortunately, it has never bloomed. Every year I think, ‘This will be the year it blooms!’ And so far? Nothing.
This is the year that the 17 year cicadas (called magicicada) are emerging. After having lived underground for 17 years, the nymphs emerge from the ground, climb up a tree and eventually leave their exoskeleton behind. As I was tending to the garden, I saw many exoskeletons on the ground – right under our large maple tree.
Later, on the porch, I saw this guy:
He wasn’t moving very much, which leads me to believe he had mated and was nearing the end of his life. You can’t see it from this photo, but his wings were truly beautiful. He has big red eyes.
We have cicadas every year, as there are many different species. But these 17 year cicadas are fascinating. Imagine, they live underground for 17 years! And then, like clockwork, they emerge above ground. I’m fascinated by them.
On this Memorial Day, I pray for wars to end. That seems to be the most fitting tribute I can make for those who have lost their lives in service to our country. My father was a soldier and fought in World War II. He has never romanticized war. He knows the terrible toll it can take and has nightmares to this day. I pray for peace.
Happy Monday.
After two years of the garden being ahead of schedule, it’s weird to have it suddenly be late. The long spring has made for lush green conditions, a catastrophic number of very healthy weeds, and the roses are gorgeous (though not quite in full bloom like they usually are on Memorial Day.)
We have so many cicadas, I can hear them in the house with all the windows closed. Fortunately, they are gentle and benign, so I don’t mind having them around.
I like the cicadas, too.
I loved reading about the 17 year cicadas Claudia. I’ve never heard of them before. My gosh to sleep underground for 17 years and then climb up to the surface. What a thing nature is!
My prayer for today is the same as yours – sadly I think we humans are still newborns on the evolutionary timeline and have such a long way to go yet, in the gaining of wisdom. Do you read the wonderful blog Recuerda Mi Corazon? She has a prayer this morning too, http://corazon.typepad.com/recuerda_mi_corazon/2013/05/mornings-with-mary-practicing-peace.html
Have fun foofing up your garden and settling back in!
I’ll go visit that post, Sally. Thanks1
Cicadas are a big part of living in the south on the summer. I missed their song when I loved in California. My dad was a POW in world war II and. It was something that stayed with him through the end of his life. xo Laura
My dad’s nightmares have increased as he nears ninety years old.
I pray for peace with you, Claudia. And the cicadas – in some places near our home, those things are LOUD! Thankfully they’re not near our house, but our cousins who live in the country are having to shout at one another to be heard when they’re outdoors. They’re all ready for the cicadas to return to the ground for another 17 years ;)
They are amazing creatures, Mary!
Our spring plants are about two to three weeks behind also. Kind of feel like a contestant wishing for World Peace…but, think of it…wouldn’t it be wonderful! ;)
It surely would, Donna.
My Dad was a WWII Vet also..The original Memorial Day May 30th was his birthday..I was Daddy’s little girl..the youngest and he died when I was ten..I still miss him and I will be 60 on the 29th this Wednesday..I also believe that the war affected him the rest of his life..As for the cicadas..Isn’t it so strange how they live and die?
I’m so sorry you lost your father when you were so young, Nancy.
It makes me smile to know you are home and enjoying every aspect.
Thank you, Beverly.
My father was in the S. Pacific in WWII. He had nightmares until the day he died, in his 80’s. I too pray for wars to end..
My dad’s nightmares seem more vivid and more frequent lately, Pat.
I have lush weedy gardens :) I need to get on it but the weather is not cooperating…i too pray for no more wars…
Just finished weeding, but I’m sure more will pop up shortly!
So glad to see you are home, Claudia. Just in time for those fascinating Cicadas! I hope your Climbing Hydrangea blooms – I’ve never seen one. Thank you for paying tribute to those who lost their lives in war. My husband’s father was KIA in Vietnam and left behind a grieving family including three young boys. May there come a time in my lifetime that there is not a war somewhere – it seems unlikely, but what a gift to humanity that would be. Ann
Oh, how sad for your husband and his family – such a terrible loss.
Magicicada and the 17 year itch. We had them this year and I had no idea what they were but they totally fascinated me. I asked everyone I know who lives here including the Farm Supply and nobody knew or even guessed Cicada. We have lived here 15 years and never seen one. I had never seen any in my entire life. This year I saw hundreds!!! Nature is truly amazing…weeds and all. Enjoy your week and being Home Sweet Home dear…
I think I missed out on their peak, but I’m amazed at all the exoskeletons around here!
Looks like your garden is about on the same time clock as ours…too slow for us short season gardeners.
We don’t have Cicadias here…they are cool. Do they do any damage?
Jen
No, they are fairly benign. I know that they lay their eggs in the bark of a tree limb, so that can bring a little damage to young trees. But otherwise, they are harmless.
Claudia, my dad was also a veteran of WWII and had nightmares all his life. The day he died, I said out loud “the war is over now.” it’s such a terrible thing to send a young man in his prime off to war; it changes them forever and robs them of their youth. God bless our veterans.
THAT WOMAN, is the picture of contentment! You look so genuinely happy…no worries! Bet it feels awfully good to get your hands dirty again, digging in the dirt! Have a wonderful day my friend, we’re off to the Isle of Man to see relatives…my son married a Scottish girl! I’ll have to catch up when I get back! ;)
I’m glad we don’t have cicadas here, but I do miss cricket song at night! The cicadas are pretty, but those big red eyes are kind of creepy looking. We do have lovely dragonflies here. I love to watch them flying around.
I’ll bet the birds are happy to see the cicadas emerge!
I am joining you in your prayer for peace. So many young lives lost, so many families left grieving…