May 8

The maples have nearly leafed out overnight, and our drives around town are notably more canopied in shades of light green. The leaves will continue to grow to full size, and the pigments within will multiply in density, thus darkening to their summer green. They are now emergent younglings, with stems still pliant where the most gentle breeze moves these newcomers to and fro. I imagine that they are simply celebrating being here.

It is worth looking at these maples now. From here on, they will distinguish from one another as sun, rain, blight, and insect take their toll. For now, they look like clones that harken toward the maturity of summer.

Our own vista diminished overnight with their arrival; we can see much less into the woods below, and Asnebumskit is now obscured until autumn. This is no consequence really, as there is plenty to see, smell, and feel just beyond the doorstep.

The birds at the feeder outside the back porch appreciate the building shade and protection. Our big maple is spreading quickly, making the afternoon sun more diffuse in reaching the porch.

The bushes seem to be following suit, and my favorite in the honeysuckle is leafing along just as rapidly. So too our viburnums and choke cherries, both with buds that continue to swell. Our viburnum in front should flower any day now, giving a fragrance that is similar to the sweet honeysuckle of early June. Only the oaks seem slower in coming. They have certainly begun to leaf, but the emergence is less than that of its deciduous relatives. Both our blacks and silvers seem a week or even two behind.

The world is certainly greening quickly, and I swear you can nearly sense the reawakening of photosynthesis all around. The trees are hurrying now to produce as much starch as possible before age and infirmary end another growing season.

Notes:

Wrens arrive at the box.