Springtime for Puppies...

Photo by James

Last week James and the charming dog Louÿs arrived in Moulins. We went into Paris to pick them up. Daniel will arrive next week to join the rest of his family, meanwhile we've been enjoying the livelier pace around here. The travelers arrived just as the first hints of spring have.

James has a sabbatical this year so they are spending five months here in France. They'll be using their time to advance the work on their small house. Already the stove and extractor have been installed and furniture has been ordered for delivery in April. Spring cleaning has begun in earnest. There are still painting and baseboards and backsplashes to accomplish.

James and Daniel added Louÿs to their family last fall. He has an opaque history as he was found on the street without a human companion. His size allows him to tuck under an airplane seat, which means he can become an international traveler just as James and Daniel tend to be. He has a shy, skeptical but also playful nature. He has somehow identified me as the playmate in chief, inviting me to chase him almost whenever he encounters me.

The first blossoms have arrived on the cherry tree. They will soon be in full bloom, one of the most glorious moments of the year.

Primroses, vincas, violets and campanula carpet the ground by the fish pond. This is new to us. For the last two years all we had here in spring were dandelions. We seem to have eliminated most of those, thankfully, leaving space for much more delicate and interesting multicolored varieties.

One of my favorite spring treats is when the quince begins to bloom. This plant holds a special place in my heart as Emily's father bought one on the occasion of her birth (45 years ago) and planted it in our yard in California to be in bloom whenever we were celebrating her birthday. Since then, I've always tried to have one of these plants in whatever garden I find myself living in.

Photo by James