 |
| Beer glass vase filled with water beads |
When I went to the Flower and Garden Show in Seattle last month, I couldn't resist buying some of these
water beads. They are little pellets when dry, but after you add water to them, they look like pretty marbles. I got a beer glass (perfect shape) to make a vase with them and added daffodils. The beads make the flowers stand up and keep the stems hydrated in such a lovely way. They can be reused by simply adding more water. I admire this arrangement on the kitchen table every time I pass by. That link tells you how to order them if you want.
We had the most amazing weekend imaginable here in the Pacific Northwest, with abundant sunshine (giving me a chance to skydive on Saturday). I went for a long walk on Easter Sunday and took pictures of the burgeoning blossoms everywhere. These pretty pink ones caught my eye. Look at that beautiful sky behind!
Look at the
catkins hanging from these branches. I learned that the word comes from the Dutch word for "kitten" because they look like little kitten tails. That link will tell you all about them, but one thing I've known for awhile is that when they appear on the trees, allergy season is here. I've been keeping my own allergies under control except now and then, and I know just what I need to do to regain my equilibrium.
Yesterday, on my way to the bus, I saw these gorgeous blossoms on the trees overhead. They are actually white, but the early morning light gave them a luminous, almost golden quality. I was simply astounded to see that they are already out, and that there are even green leaves making an appearance. The birds and the bees have noticed, too. (smile)
It's such a lovely time of year, and I just had to share some of this bounty with you. It's only going to get better from here, I'm sure of it!
:-)
That combination of yellow and blue is one of my favorites, and sitting there in the sunshine makes it even more scrumptious. I wish we were even close to what you describe, but, alas, we are not... I hold on to every thread of hope. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I am so happy for you. It sounds like a perfect weekend. Blossoms and blue skies are a perfect mix - and I love (and lust after) your water beads. I don't need them you understand, I just want them. With my cup of tea I am drinking a toast to many more such days for you...
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a time that I don't love to see blossoms; beautiful photographs, Jan.
ReplyDeleteI love the beads in the glass.
I'm going to have to look for some of those.
Love,
J.
The tulips look lovely mixed in amongst the blue water beads n "vase". I love that last photo of the blossoms - we do not have anything peeking or popping out yet. Still very cold with sharp winds again today. Glad you are having such nice weather - we're due soon....any day now :)
ReplyDeleteThose daffodils are just gorgeous , DJan! Thank you so much for the uplifting smile you gave me today with your beautiful photos. You KNOW I needed it.
ReplyDeleteI love flowers of any kind. The more the merrier, I say. I hope the weather stays mild like this for your sake.
ReplyDeleteWe've got that same lovely weather. Everyday I put my little pots with the starts for the vegetable garden outside to get some sun. It's still cold at night so I tuck them in for the night in the dining room.
ReplyDeleteThey also have those water beads at the Dollar Tree...for only a dollar! But, be careful, they are a choking hazard for children.
I am fairly jealous but so glad you blog and share your spring with me:)
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of those beads and will Google them as soon as I leave here. I want some.
ReplyDeleteWe are on the cusp of Spring here. So close you can almost see and smell it.
it's just joyful. i can feel your joy through your post. :)
ReplyDeleteSpring in the Pacific Northwest makes all the wet misery of winter worth it. Can't get any better than what we have here. Also, thanks for the info on the water beads. I'm going to gift some to a friend.
ReplyDeleteAs the other Linda said before me, spring in the PNW is glorious. I just got back from a walk, and even though it is cloudy, the flowering trees everywhere brighten my world. And the leaves are popping out fast on the maple and cottonwood trees. There is the sweet fragrance of their sap in the air.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you today when I noticed that my phlox is beginning to bloom. Yes, Spring is on the way. Despite the allergies, it's so worth it.
ReplyDeleteSpring can do a lot to raise spirits. We have needed a good break after the long dull winter. Bright sunshine really cheers things up.
ReplyDeleteSpring is there! Great photos that capture it all.
ReplyDeletenice....i have not heard of those hydration beads...but the color of them goes well with your flowers...was a nice weekend...turned a bit cold again today...and colder tomorrow...ack
ReplyDeleteEnvious! We still have snow!
ReplyDeleteThis post is perfect at conveying how happy you are that Spring has finally arrived!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos! :o)
My mom discovered those beads a few years back and simply loves them!!! She uses them quite a bit, has them in different colours.
I really like that bead idea....:)
ReplyDeleteThose white (buttery looking) blossoms are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHere in northern Minnesota, I'd like to think that things are only going to get better from here.. But truth is, we really meander back & forth unpredictably this time of year. Two steps forward, one step back when it comes to spring!
The snow has been melting & running steadily for days.. yet we've got 4 more inches in the forecast for Friday.
But by about the first week of May I'll be finding our first wild blooms peeping up from the woods. For now, I grow more excited with each pretty spring photo I see elsewhere!
I love the idea of the beads, I've been using a flower-frog but this is much better..
ReplyDeleteGorgeous blossoms, it's the time of year, when 'life' returns.
Many more sky-diving days ahead my dear friend !
~Jo
I'm glad you've been having such a good time! The pictures are delightful! Thanks also for coming and visiting me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Your kitchen table arrangement is beautiful. The blue glass is perfect for the yellow daffodils. I have seen the water beads and almost bought some not long ago. Then I remember I have two rambunctious kittens and nothing is safe from their curiosity.
ReplyDeleteYou captured some gorgeous blooms DJan. I am starting to see flowers here too. Spring has arrived!
the flowers and beads are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all this beauty!
ReplyDeleteI have never seen those water beads before – they look very nice in your vase. Spring has finally arrived and it makes us all feel so good. I enlarged your last picture and it is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteDear DJan, your enthusiasm is contagious! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, and thanks for the link to the beads. I plan on ordering some. Peace.
Those beads are just wonderful. The blue and yellow contrast looks so striking. Spring certainly has sprung out your way! Not here.. sigh.
ReplyDelete