The Elkridgean Cyclist - No Green Thumb Here

I love flowers, especially this time of year. Thank goodness for daffodils and jonquils and other early spring bulbs. They are tough enough to brave the chickweed and dandylions that threaten to take over our yard. Why can't gardens always just take care of themselves? I had a vision once, for a pretty bird-bath garden with a little flag-stone walkway circling around it. I planted ivy in the back, periwinkle in the middle, an azalea or two, and groups of hostas and daffodils. In the summer I would weed and mulch and plant beautiful annuals. Now where the chickweed isn't, there is out of control ivy and periwinkle vying for territory. Once or twice a year I hack away and get it decent looking, but not this year. I tried, but the chickweed has won. Perhaps my thumb is still weak from surgery, but more likely, I use that as an excuse. I'd much rather ride my bike.

I have to say that I can't remember ever being happier! My new commute from work is not only getting easier, but it takes me along some of my favorite bike-riding routes. Every nice day I am awed by the beauty of the area, and feel so fortunate to be pedaling through it instead of gripping my steering wheel with white knuckles. I know the summer is coming, and I'm not a fan of heat and humidity, so you will be sure to hear me whining in a month or two, but right now, the weather has been perfect (in my estimation, though my daughter wants it warmer), and the abundant sunshine stirs my inner core to the point that I can't wipe the stupid smile off my face, unless I'm wiping tears of joy away. I am counting my blessings to say the least. I hope all of my readers are doing the same.

Happy riding, and may the tail-winds be with you.