The Long Way Round
Buddy and I decided to take the long way to town when it was time to pick Frankie up from work today. We wandered around the yard for a while first (click here for details) because the weather was so nice and that’s what led us to decide to leave for town 45 minutes early……and to get to Frankie’s store, which is 2 miles due east, by heading west a few miles first.
All of these shots, except the last, were shot from the driver’s side window of my truck because I have learned, the hard way, not to go wandering around on rough terrain by myself. While Buddy would no doubt try to help he would probably just lick my face…..and laugh at me…..when I fell on my butt and couldn’t get back up.
THE BOSS says this is a variety of crab apple. I have no idea so I’ll take her at her word. I just liked the blossoms.
As far as I’m concerned it isn’t spring in Virginia until the dogwood is in bloom.
You can find them just about everywhere and I’ve spotted several pink ones, as well.
I’ll have to wait to shoot the pink ones until Frankie is along for the ride. I’ll need her to keep Buddy occupied long enough to allow me to get out of the truck and get the shots. That dog follows me EVERYWHERE! He even gets upset if I close the bathroom door. That’s the last thing I need; a lunatic dog in the shower with me!
Wild mustard is in bloom everywhere as well. I know of a couple of fields that are completely covered with it but, once again, I’ll need someone along to control the BIG RED PUPPY!
The Pine Ridge Philosopher 
Everything I love together: beautiful flowers and Buddy!
What wonderful pictures!
A pleasure to come here and walk to your blog.
A warm hugm honey.
April 21, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Thank you, ma’am!
April 22, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Buddy is a sweetie. Beautiful flower pictures as always Chip. Buddy is always fun to see him. He wants to see you all the time, wants to know you are fine, in case you fall down. I believe he would help you. My dog has to keep her “eye” on me at all times. If she thinks I’ve gotten myself into a fix, she will go for help!
April 22, 2011 at 12:34 AM
I bet he would, too. He’s our second Lab and I’m still amazed by the intelligence of the breed.
April 22, 2011 at 11:26 AM
I have Crab Apple and Dogwood in my garden, funny how across the world we can be looking at the same thing.
That Buddy! Seems to be licking my screen clean everytime a pic of him comes up. Big ol’ soppy lump he turned out to be. Comparing the pics of when he first decided you and Frankie were who he was going to live with, you can see how he has bulked out beautifully.
April 22, 2011 at 3:24 AM
He;s really filled out, alright. He still thinks he’s a lap dog which is hilarious when he tries to sit in Frankie’s lap. He’s almost as big as she is!
April 22, 2011 at 11:27 AM
The dogwood is so beautiful, I wood love to have it in my garden, but it is not available in the gardening centers – but the red blossoms I know: > a chinese or (smaller shurbs) japanese “pseudo-quince” , mostly red, but also bloomimg in white, the fruits are – just like real quinces – edible, when cooked, otherwise too bitter. Quince-jelly! yummiiiiiie!
April 22, 2011 at 3:52 AM
The dogwood is our state tree and people across the state have them in their yards but they grow wild, as well.
April 22, 2011 at 11:28 AM
would love ^^
April 22, 2011 at 3:52 AM
Spring has come to the Buddy side of the pond! Big hugs to our handsome friend, the big red puppy! Lovely spring flowers…wonder if its as roasting scorching hot where you are as it is where I am today 🙂 Great day for photos!
April 22, 2011 at 8:08 AM
It’s a little chilly 51 °F (11 °C) and raining today but supposed to be partly cloudy and much warmer 79 °F (26 °C) to 83 (28 °C) for the next few days. Just as well I can’t get out to play today because I mowed the lawn yesterday afternoon and that #&@$%!! gas powered weed whacker did a number on my back! That’s what I get for not using the shoulder strap!
April 22, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Great pics as usual! Our tulips are in full bloom now, but the daffodils are gone already (they came on early here). Always look forward to your “outings” with Buddy! Enjoy the spring and upcoming summer—oh, and don’t eat too many Easter eggs either!
April 22, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Frankie’s daffodils have gone by, as well but there are still some blooms showing around town. Tulips are in bloom everywhere and Frankie has decided to plant some in her flower beds. Her azaleas are just starting to bloom and her roses are leafing out nicely, too. Soon I’ll have plenty to shoot without using any gas. That’s always a good thing but with prices at the pump rising almost by the minute it’s getting to the point where I’ll have to start robbing gas stations
!
April 22, 2011 at 11:39 AM
Well, Chip I hope you are not being severely affected by the high winds. Hope all is well.
April 28, 2011 at 1:38 AM