We are preparing for a blizzard here in Ohio. The pink blooms were lovely while they lasted.

Now the spring winds are bringing us a blizzard. A blizzard of pink and yellow maple seeds. Nature wants to be certain there are forever maple trees growing and spreading in Ohio. Thus the blizzard. A few have fallen already. The wind makes it sound like there are dry leaves out our door. Have you listened for that sound?

They are not leaves. Just hundred of thousands of seeds. Perhaps even millions fill the sky with whirligigs. Bob used the blower on the back deck to clear off the seeds. The next day he looked out the window and said, “I just blew those off!” I smiled and answered, “Not those particular helicopters.”

The flowerbeds will soon be sprouting these seeds. If the landscapers put down mulch before these are removed there will be an ideal sprouting medium for those seeds. I am still pulling out seedlings from last year’s blizzard!

Ah, but I would not give up living with my beloved maple trees. I was worried about the survival of two trees in the neighbor’s yard as they seemed to bloom really late. I had begun to wonder if those two trees were dying. They are in bloom now.

The shade they offer is so welcome. When the leaves turn colors in autumn I am delighted. Each year I try to video when the trees “drop their gowns.”

So this is not a blizzard we can shovel or combat with rock salt. In a couple weeks I will be removing handfuls of maple seeds from the flower beds. If I plant annuals I will be removing more sprouts and seeds.

Bring it on God! I have no control over this phenomenon, so I might as well find joy in it!