Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

We took a whale watching adventure to site whales off the coast of Maui. We saw mothers, calves, assistants and males. The humpback whales spend their time in Maui mating and birthing their calves until May, when they then return to Alaska. It was fascinating to learn that they fast while they are in Maui, losing one third of their weight.

Hisbiscus

Hisbiscus, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The flowers of Maui are abundant and beautiful!

Bird of Maui

Bird of Maui, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

We stopped on the West side of Maui at the Whalers Village for a bite of lunch and caught this beautiful bird who I have yet to identify.

Maui

Maui, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean from the west side of Maui.

Banyan Tree

Banyan Tree, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The Bayan Tree at Lahina, Maui, it takes up an entire park.

Fresh Spring Grass

Fresh Spring Grass, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

It was a long, cold, snowy winter for the deer that frequent our back yard. The arrival of warm weather and fresh spring grass was a tasty treat for them.

Second Bloom

Second Bloom, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

My orchid continues to bloom, with the second bud opening today.

More Buds

More Buds, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The buds of flowers and trees are bursting out all over my yard. This is the flowing pear that sits at the end of my driveway.

Budding

Budding, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The rain from the day before still was hanging off the branches of this Weeping Japanese Maple the following morning.

First Daffodils

First Daffodils, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The warm weather plus some southern sunshine made these daffodils pop!

Home Soon

Home Soon, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

It won't be long before this house is filled with little chirping birds.

View

View, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

I was in the high school library for a meeting. The beautiful day was perfectly framed through the library windows, beckoning me to come outside and play.

Blooming Orchid

Blooming Orchid, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

I've been waiting since January 7th when I first saw that my orchid was sending out a shoot to bloom. An now, on March 18, my parent's 60th anniversary, it is finally blooming!

Sprouting

Sprouting, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The past two days of warm weather has these daffodils reaching for the sun.

Tulip

Tulip, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The grocery store had a buy one get one free offer on tulips and daffodils this weekend. What a spring treat!

Chase

Chase, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Another rainy day today. I needed an indoor shop and Chase is always a ready subject.

Waiting

Waiting, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The orchid is so close to opening. It truly is amazing how long it has taken to be almost ready to bloom. It was hard to get just the right angle, so I placed the plant in front of the mirror. The view of the bloom is actually its reflection.

Visiting

Visiting, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

There just is much better than having both your son and daughter visit on the same weekend. It is such a special treat and heart-warming feeling to have everyone in the same place at the same time!

Basket

Basket, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The camera was pointed right at this shot as I was uploading photos. Nothing like finding the shot right in front of you.

All Lined Up

All Lined Up, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Just another example of the line-up of belongings from my son's spring break visit.

Shoes

Shoes, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

My son is home for spring break and the kitchen is decorated by his belongings everywhere in neat, ordered rows.

First Crocus

First Crocus, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

There is nothing like the first crocus to announce that spring is on its way!

Peek-a-Boo

Peek-a-Boo, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Three days of warmer weather and look what appeared!

Fork

Fork, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Sometimes, the photo your are looking for is right in front of you!

Night Lights

Night Lights, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Driving through the streets of Philadelphia, I caught a great sight of the tall buildings lit to delight the eye, but alas the light changed and all I caught was a flash of moving light.

Hanging On

Hanging On, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Looks like a bit of spring cleaning and fix-it work is waiting for us!

Steps to Spring

Steps to Spring, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Anxiously anticipating the warm spring days as the sun slowly works its magic on the piles of snow.

Files

Files, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Parent conferences...Time to file, organize, review, rethink, and set new goals.

Daffodils

Daffodils, originally uploaded by lnitsche.

Ah, a glimpse of spring to come.

Soon...

Soon..., originally uploaded by lnitsche.

The orchid bud has been growing and stretching toward the light. Very, very soon the flowers will bloom. I can hardly wait!