Sigh. I love Spring!

Compliments for your excellent photographs as well as the lovely roses!

Here, still no rain. Local flora is holding up well in spite of the lack of water, but I fear my spring bulb order, planted when rain was forecast, is probably lost. Noticeable is the suffering caused by the relentless sun, in a season usually characterized by frequent rain and clouds. The daphne and sarcococca on the escarpment, the potted camellia, and the trio of palms in the yard, have yellowed foliage and a sad air. Usually, by the time the rains dry up, in May-June, the trees have leafed out and offer shade, but currently they're still bare and offer no protection. Temperatures are still mild so that's not the problem.

About our offer to host you-cranian refugees, we didn't hear back. I hear that some refugees were housed locally, so I'm guessing our lack of the language and being in the country away from services told against us. If Italy takes more refugees, as would be right--I believe that currently there are 50,000-60,000 in the country, a drop in the bucket--we may yet hear from the authorities about our offer.

One of the seasonal drainages toward the far end of the property still has water in it! Its clear shallow pools with water trickling through them are a blessed sight. I get down into the woods most days for a few hours to clear brush and cut up dead wood, and often feel how incredibly privileged I am to live here and have this land to take care of.

Your roses are so beautiful, Jeri!