Welcome March!
While the month has arrived in traditional lionish fashion in many places, here in Sonoma it might rain later today, but otherwise the warm, mild day is quite lamb-like. February rains and warm weather have us a little ahead of the game, and spring seems to have already sprung in the form of tall mustard in the vineyards, pink cherry trees and smiling daffodils all over town.
After a weekend in the snow, I drove up from San Francisco this morning to find the Sonoma landscape startlingly vibrant. There is a pasture at the corner of Arnold Drive and the 121 that has a particularly beautiful carpet of yellow mustard and wildflowers.
I was admiring the spectacular view, thrilling to the idea of warm weather and longer days, when I noticed a row of Acacia trees in full flower. My throat tightened just at the sight of them - welcome to Claritin season! These evil yellow trees kill me every year.
On cue, an 80's classic came on the radio: The Talking Head's 'Flowers.'
David Byrne sings 'If this is paradise, I wish I had a lawnmower.' I had to laugh. Once Sonoma's notorious spring allergy season kicks into overdrive, I may be a little more inclined to agree with him.
