As I headed back toward the house after the last evening dog walk tonight, I wondered to myself when the fireflies would appear. They always show up in June. As if a manifestation of my wishes, there they were as I approached my yard – the first fireflies, blinking on and off in front of The Urban Porch.

Tiny black and red ladybug larvae have appeared on the porch over the last couple of weeks, alighting on a flower pot, landing on my hand or lap as I sit outside sipping iced tea. They look like little monsters – I had to do some checking to figure out exactly what they were. I don’t recall seeing any last year, but have encountered plenty this month. Apparently they eat aphids, so they are a good thing.

They quickly have become Ladybugs and beetles. I have escorted a few out of the house.

The flowering of the Tulip tree – a particular favorite – has already come and gone in what felt like a lemony/greenie/neon orange flash.

Their flowers are so gorgeously weird in the coolest sort of way.

The hens are laying. Neighbors leave fresh eggs on the doorstep.

Emboldened House Sparrows dive, perch and continually chatter on and around the porch.

A Mourning Dove sits on the wire above the bird feeder next door, waiting patiently for the bully sparrows to give it a chance at some spilled seeds.

Small tomatoes have emerged in the pots.

And the purple sage is ready to be used in any dish, should I feel creative.

The crows continue to inhabit the Crow Tree, taking off and landing like witches in the sky. Yesterday I left some food out for them, but they did not come for it. However, they continue to watch. One landed on the corner of the house to check out the scene before leaving in a noisy rush.

The Smoke Trees have created glorious, dreamy clouds of pink. Along with the Tulip Trees, I think they are my other favorite tree of Spring.

A glimpse of twin Fuchsia flowers dance just inside the porch window but don’t last long before dropping off. This tiny plant has managed to thrive on neglect over the past year. Historically I have never been able to make my Fuchsias last. They always seem to get infested with aphids. Perhaps those little ladybug larvae monsters could remedy that problem! I hope there will be more blooms.

The annual spring treat of Chicken of the Woods mushrooms (Laetiporus) lent substance to a dinner of “Chicken” Asian stir fry.

For some odd reason, the Peonies did not flower this year! Not a one! I don’t understand why, it is definitely strange. Plenty of leaves but no flowers. I miss their fragrance.

But the Wild Indigo has opened

the Spirea is keeping the bees happy

while lemony pops of Evening Primrose – somewhat invasive but so sunny – have cropped up all around the porch.

Mama Robin eyes me cautiously from her nest in the lilac bush.

Milkweed has burst through the driveway and has begun to make buds

as are the small spruce trees next door. They look like they should be so soft, but when I run my hands across them, their sharp needles stick into my arm.

Fledglings teeter above a doorway, ready to join the wild, wide world. Good luck buddy!

The mulberry trees are dropping great quantities of berries. I wasn’t going to bother with them this year, but while walking by the tree, I was overcome with the sudden urge to gather some for breakfast tomorrow.

The hanging plants on The Urban Porch and the height of the Rose of Sharon have blocked some of the view from the street now, lending a bit of privacy.

Along with the arrival of the fireflies comes the arrival of the mosquitos. I have already had encounters with a few. We are supposed to get our first real heat wave this week, which will direct outdoor enjoyment towards the earlier hours, as the western sun gets too intense on the porch in the afternoon.

For now, Rudi lazily plants himself in a chair and barks at the other dogs walking by.

I make iced sun tea and observe the small joys of the season.

It has been enjoyable immersing in the late gifts of Spring, as we quickly (oh, so quickly) tip into Summer.

~*~