THE GOOD, THE BAD and the UGLY

What a spectacular morning for a paddle!  I managed to get out before 6:30 and the sun was shining on the water, well, actually on the pollen on the water!  Many birds flitting in the branches of the trees.  Now that most have leaves, it is harder to find the birds, but there are so many colors and textures!  Look at this picture of maple tree seeds & leaves; what color, and the delicate fringe of the new leaves up above.  Wow.  (Click on the picture to see it full size)

Maple seeds and new leaves

Sometimes I like to just float in my canoe and watch what is under the water - I see fish swim by, painted turtles with noses in the air, darting away when they see me.  I keep looking for the huge snapper that both Suzanne and Ann have seen, but it hasn't showed up yet on my watch.  

Then, however, while looking so closely at the water, one can't help but notice the burgeoning water chestnut plants.  Yes, they are coming up.  I travel with a bucket in the back of my canoe now, and today I pulled a half bucket of water chestnut plants.  

Speaking of invasives, I'm sure you've heard all the hype about the garlic mustard and how quickly it spreads and takes over everything in its path.  Pull it when you see it!  It goes to seed soon and there will be loads of seeds that grow efficiently.  Below is a picture

Garlic Mustard -- PULL when you see it!

And the ugly?  The scum on the pond.  Covers the pond this AM, but upon closer look, a lot of the issue is pollen, and we KNOW that covers EVERYTHING this time of year!  I sat on the porch (my summer office) for a while this morning and it looked like it was snowing.

Still, our pond is a beautiful place and I feel blessed to live on it!