Even though the world seems to be in turmoil, Spring arrived here right on schedule. The mini daffodils that my class planted in November popped open just before we dispersed for Spring Break and the forsythia was blushing yellow. A quick stop at Trader Joe’s, that same day on my way home, produced a pot of tulips and I bought them even though I knew we were leaving the next day. At $3.99 who could resist?
Sure enough the tulips ended up in the truck the next morning, tucked in precariously between bicycle helmets and ski gear. We headed south to Santa Fe, in the Land of Enchantment, and it sure didn’t disappoint. Signs of spring were everywhere. We celebrated the blossoms in the trees in Moab on the first night. They were in full bloom and the temperature soared to 70 degrees. My winter layers quickly came off and my fellow ripper rolled up his convertibles for the first time in many months.
Life in a small travel trailer requires that you spend time outdoors. We reveled at our ability to stay warm when the sun went down around our fire ring, which is one of the best purchases we have made for our Airstream adventures.
Ripper cousins treated us to a festive table in beautiful Santa Fe. Flowers as sweet as their smiles were blooming in their garden. My sturdy tulips decided to open their petals in the warm Santa Fe sun and we rejoiced in our good fortune.
But the daily news brought continued despair from Ukraine coupled with the news that Covid had complicated our daughter’s already complicated trip to Poland. A mother’s worries can escalate quickly but somehow, the joyful nature of my pot of tulips kept me positive. As we traveled into the San Juan mountains, the temperature dropped but the tulips graced our trailer counter. I held on to the hope that the promise of spring would help heal the world’s wounds and seed new growth.
All good trips come to a close, and ours ended with our cheerful reunion with our beloved pup. She bounded into the back seat with such enthusiasm that the tulips tumbled to the floor and all the petals were gone, just like that. I guess it’s time to buy a new pot. Why don’t you too!
Keep moving, stay safe, have fun!
Nothing better than a welcome home from a pup!
Piper looks quite proud next to the tulips.
Loved this, Gail !!!! I know you will be glad when she’s back home.
Never has a state lived up to its marketing slogan like New Mexico. It really is a land of enchantment. Thx for the virtual visit. —peter
Nice post Gail! Love the fire ring!
Those tulips taught us all a lesson in resilience! Piper’s happy face? Priceless.
This post made me smile. Love and miss you Gail. Hugs to all!
What a great idea to travel with a pot of tulips!