Before the Rust Appears

April has entered, as promised by the adage, 

with showers. Heavy rains have grayed the skies 

all around, creating a backdrop for the newly 

bloomed daffodils, jonquils, and -- dare I say it?

dandelions. Better yet, the magnolias have

shed their little velvet sweaters and

are starting to bloom delicate shades of mauve.

I got these pictures just after the flowers

had opened, and well before chilly spring winds 

whip the flowers into a frenzy, coating the 

petals with rust-colored tears.