by
Jean Hughes
April 22, 1996
Cardinals wind up and field sparrows wind down. Peepers peep. Early spring is at its prime.

The hills are saturated with blooms and green promises. Days of soft and steady rain have made this a greening week. Dandelions have almost paved the grassy places with gold.

Today, I walk to every beautiful spot on the south end of my land. Redbuds light the woods. Flowers bloom at a rapturous rate. Plum blossoms give bouquet to my whole world. Everywhere I walk there is a mass of floral beauty: purple, yellow and white violets, blue phlox, white isopyrum, pink-edged spring beauties, wake robins, cress and tall red trilliums, bluebells, senecio, trout lilies, yellow corydalis and a big bogful of marsh marigolds.

The titmice are so enthralled that there is not a moment of quiet in the hills. In the fields, meadowlarks whistle sweetly, then swirl through the air in pairs. Flickers are hollering back and forth. I walk the creek banks listening for the song of the water thrush, but I have not heard him yet.

Last night, the woodcocks were still winging and singing, owls hooted relentlessly, and I heard a whippoorwill.

I am fortunate. I have many bluebirds living nearby. This morning I wished for boxes to make a bluebird trail. This afternoon I was given a bluebird box. Its construction is simple enough that Chris and I will be able to make a few to begin our trail. Serendipity again!

Because of my writing, I not only fall into the company of the beauties of nature, but also into the company of kind experts, such as the provider of the bluebird box. I find myself among experts in every conceivable field. I am always in over my head.

But every person is an expert at something. Daily living makes us all experts. Wherever we put our efforts and energies, there is our expertise. It can be negative or positive. Whatever we love, we are. We cannot hide our hearts.


Slices of leftover Easter ham go well with a dressing casserole.

Cheese Potato Dressing>
Cook in salted water and mash: 5 large potatoes, adding 4 T. melted butter.
Butter: 3 slices homemade-type bread and bake in the oven until 
crisp and brown. Cut into croutons.
Saute until golden, in 1/4 cup butter: 1 cup chopped celery and 
1 cup chopped onion.
Fold together: potatoes and sauteed vegetables.
Add: 3 beaten eggs, 1 t. salt, 1/8 t. black pepper, 1 cup grated 
cheddar cheese and 1 cup buttermilk.
Fold in croutons. Bake in a 2 qt. baking dish at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Today, a male and female purple finch visit my window feeder. A white-throated sparrow sings from my dooryard tree. Sometimes his song is clear, true tones and sometimes it is squeaky. The black, white and yellow on his head is stark. He looks like a painted aborigine.

I cannot stay indoors when it is April outside. I walk to the creek and to the bog.

Again 
          Put on your gentle heart and know the spring --
          A dainty flowered hill, a chittering wing.
          The escort spins the web upon the loom
          And in the swell of nature's new-green room
          Begins the weaving of the songs and flowers
          That 'pease the crowds and permeate the hours.
          Hesitant rain, a wondering stream of sun,
          And silent-rumbling earth's new year begun --
          Again.
Copyright 1996, Jean Hughes.

Jean's book of ramblings and recipes "A Country Mile of Winter" and her book of poetry "The Earth's My Home" are available for $4.95 each plus $1.30 for postage and handling. Ten of Jean's favorite recipes will be included free with each book ordered. Order from...

Country Mile Publications
616 E. Monroe
Delphi, IN 46923

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