Abundance and Lack Willy Nilly.

We have the richness of nature while we deal with the threat of illness and recession. For Willy Nilly Friday, I'm sharing a few examples from my now limited surroundings.

1. Our little redbud trees are blooming. They were rooted twigs when we planted them five years ago, and they are still small, maybe 36" tall. But I'm happy that they survived. We bought them at the Redbud Festival, which was canceled this spring, like most events.

Friday Bliss and Floral Friday.

2. Skywatch: This is what a mature eastern redbud tree looks like. They are a native plant and charming to see in the spring. I read that the flowers are edible.

3. Like many shoppers, I'm finding bare shelves in the paper goods aisle, and a scarcity of canned goods and cleaning supplies. I filtered a cell phone picture and rendered it in black and white to emphasize the disconcerting appearance of empty shelves.

This particular store is being remodeled, so the floor is horribly scuffed. I assume it will be replaced, but right now the workers are struggling to keep up with shortages and ensuring safe practices.

4. Easter passed quietly but I recruited Frank's little chick for a reflection photo. He has had this "floof" for many years

and until this year, it could chirp "Happy Easter" when pressed.

5. My can opener broke! Here I'm using a beer opener (also called a church key) to stab holes around the rim to get it open far enough to pour out the beans. It's not the first time I've done this. I remember a camping trip where I forgot to pack a can opener! But you know what? Cans are much thinner now, and bend easily.

6. Let's end the post with some more flowers. These are creeping phlox.