Coping continues upwards

Magnolia blossoms

 Yesterday as I was walking to the bus stop, I saw these lovely magnolia blossoms covered with raindrops from the rain we had all night long. I was forced to stop long enough to capture this picture. I love magnolias, and before moving to the Pacific Northwest, I had only known them from my time in southern states. But they grow in many places, in many varieties, from deciduous to evergreen.

I was surprised to learn more about them, from this website, especially finding it interesting in how long they have been around:

Magnolias are believed to be the earliest known flowering plants, with their fossils dating back over 100 million years. Magnolia trees even existed before bees, so they rely on beetles for pollination. Instead of nectar, the flowers produce large quantities of pollen that the beetles use for food.

 There are dozens of these beautiful trees in my neighborhood, and now I have an enhanced appreciation of these long-lived trees. From tulips last week to magnolias this week, it's certainly a very special time in the annual progression of the seasons to enjoy myriad floral beauties. Our lilacs should begin to bloom by the end of the week, too!

I have also noticed that there is a ubiquitous flower appearing in every lawn around here: dandelions are exploding with golden nuggets to catch the eye and gladden the hearts of bees everywhere. (Do bees have hearts? They must.)

:-)