The first day of April and not a flower has bloomed anywhere in S.E. Michigan. At least not that I have found. The temperature hovered in the mid to upper 30's today; small comfort when one would anticipate temp's in the balmy 60's or even the occasional 70° here and there. Well, as Gary, branch manager of Canton CFCU said, at least there isn't snow.

Yes, we should be counting our blessings because we are not yet out of the woods until at least the 3rd week of the month. The Daffodils are making progress in reaching toward the sky and do exhibit evidence of blossoms in waiting, but not a one has yet burst forth. Even the stout Hyacinth is not yet observed in full flower. The Tulips, for their part, are cautiously holding in abeyance for more favorable conditions.

This is so unlike previous years when little stems rose from the ground even in late February, poised to issue forth by mid-March.  I can even remember Tulips blossoming in late March.  This year there has been none of the upper 70's, low 80's witnessed (and enjoyed) in years past.  As I said to Gary, we didn't see the temperature reach 60° last month.  Highly unusual, given past experience.

I was in Arkansas back in early January and was pleased to see Daffodils popping up everywhere.  I was in West Virginia in mid-March and was delighted to see both Daffodils and Hyacinths decked out in full regalia, as well as a stand of colourful Pansies arrayed in their typically bright yellows and violets with a splash of white.