Color

It's March 1st.  The day started out rather dreary here, as in many parts of the world, so today is about color.  After all, color is a good thing and it is a sure fire way to lift one's spirit.  

This was my view this morning:

Rather drab, wouldn't you say?  I would much rather have been looking at this:

common in Rabat, the Orange Trumpet Vine, puts on a spectacular show

Here is just a sampling of the the many flowers of my garden in Morocco.  Never again will I have glorious color such as these tropical beauties, but I do at least have my photos to remind me of days well spent enjoying what I knew was a precious gift! 

the main entrance to my house



Bouganvilla of my garden



Bouganvilla cascading over the exterior wall

my favorite, Plumbago

Plumbago along the exterior wall, in full bloom

This jasmine draped over a balconey just off my bedroom.  Each spring, I waited with great anticipation for the blooms that would bring heavenly scents wafting through the garden and my bedroom.  I expect it is bursting into bloom about now, or will soon.  I hope the current residents in the house enjoy it as much as I did!

Moroccan jasmine

smells heavenly!

In South Carolina, although very different, and not quite as heavenly in scent, is Yellow Jasmine.  I have always loved it, and it is also our state flower.

My day improved by mid-day.  The sun was shining brightly and by afternoon our high temperature had soared to 84 degrees!!!  Spring is coming!  I can feel it, I can see it, and my nose is starting to tingle as the pollen makes itself known to everyone.....and everything!  I'm very excited about spring this year, even with the curse of allergies.  I have not seen a South Carolina spring in 20 years!  My children have never experienced it. The azeleas and dogwoods are spectacular and I can't wait.  Don't worry, I'll post more photos of spring once we're in full bloom.  But this preview is just to bring you back for more.

So enjoy these pre-spring days, and be sure to start taking your Claritin!