Fragrant Walk

A flower's appeal is in its contradictions -

so delicate in form
yet strong in fragrance,
so small in size yet big in beauty,
so short in life
yet long on effect.

~Terri Guillemets

Last week's wind gusting to 45 MPH for three days straight sent me back inside to the basement treadmill. That was followed by a welcome rain, but, again, it kept me cooped up inside for another day.

But maybe it makes me appreciate all the more another walk outside. The blossoms on the redbud tree were tightly closed and guarded just a week ago.

Once like a shy girl at a junior high dance,
they are now gussied up and blossoming ...

in all their springtime finery.

These white blossoms line the ditches and are particularly prolific this year.

I have no idea what these little white beauties are called, but they have certainly dressed up the drive or walk along country roads. Their best feature is their delicate perfume, and a more manageable breeze lifts the sweet fragrance skyward.

The winds of last week scattered the petals from the early bloomers and carried them away. But the latecomers continue to provide a makeshift arbor for travelers down the country roads.

Pluck not the wayside flower;

It is the traveler's dower.

~William Allingham

I'm thankful to be traveling for my daily jaunt on the County Line once again and taking time to smell the roses. OK, they might not be roses, but they rival the queen of flowers in their simple beauty.

Here's hoping you find little glimpses of joy, gladness and beauty today. Enjoy!

(Photo at the top was taken Saturday at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve south of Council Grove. More on that later. All other photos taken along the County Line.)