A year ago, on a mild and breezeless March afternoon, the sweet scent of the paperbushes (Edgeworthia chrysantha, below) wafted over the garden. Very likely, the scent wafts regularly, but for once, my severely limited sense could smell it. Probably never again, and today I tried mightily to make the connection, with no luck.

Oh well, I’m also color blind and not too bright, I suspect. I forget to mention, my never good memory deteriorates by the year. But, despite my shortfalls, I’m overjoyed by the paperbushes, and of course, by this early spring.

There are plants in the garden that are favorites, but also ones that bring great joy. The paperbushes assure me that the gray winter is past and that the brightness of spring has arrived. Despite a dozen witch hazels and hundreds of hellebores and snowdrops flowering through the winter months, the time until spring sometimes seems endless. But, the paperbushes are flowering. I rejoice, the wait is ended.

Yes, I hear you. There will be more spells of cold. No doubt, you are correct, but my mind is made. My mood has turned from anxiousness to contentment. There is much work to do. Today, I face this with optimism.