One of the best things about living in Europe is being able to witness the changing seasons.
Four times a year, my eyes feast on different scenes: spring, with its burgeoning blossoms, summer’s bright skies, the falling leaves of autumn, and the snowfalls of winter.
Nevertheless, while spring made it’s entrance a month and a half ago, we’ve yet to experience its warmer temperatures.
This week however, we’ve been given signs that this is about to change.
The sun has been shining, the wind’s gone on a coffee break, and the rain seems to be on hiatus.
Roxy and I have taken advantage of the lovely weather by going on long walks.
These allow us the opportunity to witness this transformation and capture it in picture form.
Enjoy!
What signs of spring have you witness recently?
gypsyroxylee.wordpress.com 
Your pictures make me jealous! :) Florida doesn’t have a real change in seasons. We basically just suddenly get hot.
Amber, the same thing happens in the Caribbean. It’s summer year round and frankly, while some people believe that to be wonderful, I think it’s dreadful. While living there, I yearned to wear winter coats and feel freezing temperatures! I love the non-predictability of the weather here! :)
Exactly! People roll their eyes when I complain about Florida weather (for the same reason). Glad you understand. :)
Amber, as far as I’m concerned, we have a right to complain if we so choose! Especially when every day feels like Groundhog Day! hee hee! :)
Beautiful pictures Bella! Like Amber said above about Florida, we don’t really get to enjoy the seasons changing in Texas. We have about a week of amazing spring temperatures and then you wake up and it’s in the 90s the first day of May. Oh well! Your pics definitely call for some coffee drinking outside — enjoy!!
Thank you, Caryn! We lived in San Antonio when I was a child and I can still remember how hot it got in summer. This weather is perfect for enjoying a cuppa joe outside. I wish you were close by so we could enjoy a cup together! :)
I love cherry blossoms! Thanks for these great photos. Happy Spring!
Lorna
Lorna, I have missed you! I’m so happy to see you here again! And I’m delighted you like the photos. I love, love the cherry blossoms. Their beautiful hue has a way of making me happy! Happy Spring to you too! :)
Great pics. Coffee in hand, I enjoyed the view!
Bella Q, hello! I’m so happy you joined us! Thank you! :)
What a wonderful walk! Beautiful sights on a beautiful day!
Paz, I’m thrilled you like the shots! I wish you were here so we could stroll together and photograph away! :)
That would be so much fun! :)
Indeed! :)
Beautiful pictures. It’s a treat to watch your part of world through these pictures. Enjoy the spring.
Arindam, how sweet! Thank you for your kind words. I too thought this was a way to let all of you get a peek into my part of the world. I’m so glad you noticed! :)
Very very pretty, those blossoms!!! But what a late spring!! We’ve already entered summer, and soon I’ll start wishing for cooler days.
Jann, how I wish I was in Italy! I would love it if you did a post highlighting the signs of summer in Sicily! :)
Gorgeous!! I just took some pics of cherry blossoms last week. Will have to see about dusting off my blog and giving them some exposure. Hugs and enjoy! If only we were sitting at a sidewalk cafe having a good laugh!!
Lori, come and visit! We’re sure to laugh up a storm! I’m patiently waiting for your next post, lady. Come on! I love getting notifications that you have a new blog post up! Chop, chop! hee hee! :)
Beautiful flowers! We get most of our colorful blooms in winter, so a lot of them are fading now. My favorite sign if spring is when the Jacarandas bloom. The purple blossoms make me sigh with pleasure and I’m so impatient for my tiny sapling to get old enough to bloom in my back yard.
Shary, thank you! I knew a gardener like yourself would like the flower shots. Oh my, it’s been a while since I saw Jacarandas bloom! You must post photos of your tiny sapling when it’s not so tiny anymore! I would love to see it! :)
How beautiful! Really – parrot?! I am so spring ready, that I might as well jump in the water to swim :)
Ariana, when Roxy saw the dog jump in the canal, she wanted to follow suit. I had to restrain her from jumping in after him. Heck, I had to restrain myself! hee hee! The photo of the parrot is a little soft because they’re so hard to capture. Someday I’ll have to go out by myself and that way I won’t have to worry about shooting pictures with one hand while I grab on to Roxy’s leash with the other! :)
Where do you live, if it’s not a secret? :) The spring seems late where you are, we had a patch of spring, a patch of heavy rains, rinse and repeat these two several times, then we had some really warm days (as in, wearing Bermuda pants), and now it’s for wearing regular pants again.
For me, the springs comes with the smell of black locusts – and that particular scent is everywhere right now. :)
Ivana, my country of residence is top secret. Except for family and a few close friends, no one knows! hee hee! I find it adds to the air of mystery I’m so desperately trying to carve out for myself. Is it working, do you think? hee hee! As you know, I’m somewhere in Europe and you’re right–we’ve had a very late spring. I’m looking forward to summer already! I can tell you that then I’ll be in Spain! :)
Oh, how I love these signs of spring! :-) Lilacs are in bloom here in New Hampshire (early!), and the scent is absolutely heavenly. xoxo
Ellen, I smell the scent of lilac all the way from here! How lucky to be able to inhale that scent on every day, lady! :)
I think we zoomed right through spring into summer. Real heat wave here. Love your pictures.
Renee, thank you! Oh, you lucky woman, you! After the cold temperatures that we’ve had, I’m looking forward to summer! And the beach! :)
Bella, does Roxy get to swim in the canal? She is sooooo adorable!!! I love how fierce and beautiful she is. Your pics are wonderful, as always. Love the parrot!
Patrice, Roxy has never been swimming in the canal. I’m too afraid of how she will react when her body hits the water. The Significant Other insisted we let her swim last summer but I didn’t give the “go ahead.” I think I would first like to see how she responds in a smaller body of water, like a kiddie pool! hee hee! I’m so happy you like the photos, lady! Thank you! :)
We just went nuts when Oliver learned to swim last summer. He’s nearly 4 now, so it was time. He was so hot and he wanted the stick!!!! He is the most hilarious swimmer. Roxy will probably love it once she gives it a try. I can’t wait to see a photo of that!
I almost bought an expensive camera today. I kept waiting for someone to come help me spend money I don’t really have and when they didn’t I left the store thinking…I need to do more research anyway. What is the difference between the SLR and the DLSR? Aren’t they both digital?
Patrice, I hope you captured Oliver on video, even if it was your cell phone! I’m keeping mum about Oliver’s exploits before little Ms. Roxy starts believing she’s been deprived of such a fun activity! hee hee! I’m glad you did not buy a camera an instead, opted to do more research. I usually read as many reviews of a product before actually purchasing it. SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, while DSLR stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex. The DSLR saves the images to a memory card while an SLR saves them to film. In this era of digital cameras, I say go with the DSLR. Someday I too will own a DSLR and I’m going for a Canon! You can get the body and the start up lens and then, as you become more familiar, you can buy other lenses. I’m excited about the prospect of you getting a new camera! :)
Beautiful sights! We’re glad you are having a nice spring. Ours has been a bit gloomy recently on the East Coast of the USA. We’re hoping it will turn around soon!
Bella and DiDi
DiDi and Bella, my mom lives on the East Coast and she has told me that she’s unhappy with the ever changing temperatures. Apparently it’s not allowing her to work on her garden! hee hee! Here’s hoping you’ll have sunnier skies soon,ladies! :)
Thanks Bella. We miss catching rays so hopefully the sun makes an appearance soon. :)
Ladies, and when it does, be prepared to sunbathe like Roxy! She loves to sun worship and does so every chance she gets! :)
Roxy is our kind of girl! :)
Aw, you ladies are too sweet! Thank you! :)
Ah, Bella, your Spring photos are gorgeous, especially the cherry blossoms! Here in central Illinois, USA, we’ve already seen tulips bloom, daffodils, dogwood, redbud, and magnolia trees. Just recently, the iris, poppies, and peony made their presence felt. With all the rain we’ve had lately, everything looks as green as the Emerald Isle (minus the fog, of course!)
Debbie, thank you for your kind words! It sounds like your neck of the woods is surrounded by beauty at this time. I love iris and poppies! I think with so many beautiful flowers around you, it would be perfect if you did you too did a picture post of the effects of spring! :)
I enjoyed your photos so much, you are a very talented photographer!
Michael Ann, you do my self-proclaimed amateur photographer’s heart a world of good! Thank you so much for your kind words. You, my friend, are a wonderful writer and baker! :)
Do you know what was a little freaky this year?? That we had our winter, in South Florida, in April, for about a week. It was 80-90 degrees before then, and it’s back to 80-90 degrees now. :P
Kirsten, I think that sadly, these are the effects of global warming. Don’t you miss the days when it was easy to predict the weather based on the seasons of the year? Spring meant flowers and light rain, summer meant hot days, fall was crisper with wind, and winter brought the cold and snow. Ah, I miss those days! :)
Bella, what beautiful photos! And I have to say….love how you have your name on the corner of each shot. Never seen that before. (Okay, I have to get out more.) So glad you are getting a taste of spring and the days are longer and absolutely shutter perfect for walking with Roxy. I am enjoying a cup of tea and your photography. Lovely!
Annie, I’m tickled pink you think the photos are nice! Thank you! The name on the bottom corner is a watermark I created in Lightroom, the editing software I use. It’s nothing fancy but it helps preserve your copyright of the photo. I had to smile at the visual of you sipping your tea as you looked at my shots! Thank you for keeping Roxy and I company, friend. :)
Ahh Bella you just made me want to move back to Europe!! I miss it sometimes…I especially miss the scenery. Great post, loved it!
Nate, you’re always so wonderfully generous with your praise! Thank you so much! Come on, Europe awaits! Surely you can set this as your destination for your next break from the daily conundrum! And it’s especially beautiful during summer! What say you? Are you making reservations any time soon? I’m thrilled you liked the post, amigo! :)
Such wonderful pictures, Bella..thank you for sharing your world with us! The best ones, I think, are of dear Roxy getting out and stretching her legs (sprints) and sunbathing. What a cutie pie! I thank you for your sweet visit today..and recently! I’ve been horrible at getting to my favorite blogs I do apologize. Wishing you a fabulous warm spring! Hooray!!
Shirley, no need to apologize, lady. I know how busy you are and I’m really grateful you take the time to visit my blog. Thank you! Roxy’s preening over your praise! Every time the little minx hears her name as I read the comments out loud to the Significant Other, her ears perk up. hee hee! Here’s hoping you’re also enjoying a warm spring! :)
Bella, I love, love your photos, especially the flowers and those of Roxy. She always looks so pensive. The jasmine and roses have been in bloom in my little patio. The jasmine bloomed in March, the roses now. And it’s lovely. Happy Spring, my friend!
Monica, you have to post a photo of your garden! Jasmine and roses? My mother would die! She would insist you set her up in the guest room so she could gaze at your flowers all day long. hee hee! Thank you for your kind words, sister. I’m delighted you liked the photos! Happy spring, chica! :)
Here in Ontario, Canada, Spring has entered not once, but several, nay, many times, to turn around and disappear again! Buds are blossoming on trees but the weather is still cool. This last week we’ve had a lot of rain. Soon the weather will become extremely hot and folks will be running around in shorts and showing way more flesh than appropriate. My friend who works in retail said it’s been really difficult to move Summer jackets this year – everyone’s waiting for that one day!
Elizabeth, your comment of “folks will be running around in shorts and showing way more flesh than appropriate” made me chuckle! How right you are, lady! Spring’s actions in your part of the world sound very much like what’s going on here. It’s like Spring is playing peak-a-boo! I love the rain but also yearn for the warmer days of spring when it’s a pleasure to go outside and sit on a park bench to read a book! :)
Beautiful photos my dear! Makes me happy!
Jodi, you’re such a sweetheart! Thank you for making me smile! :)
I love the photos!!
I didn’t know you were in Europe?
Nikky, thank you! Is there one you like more than others? I confess I’m biased since I think Roxy’s a little star! hee hee! Yes, my friend, I reside in Europe! :)
Glorious … glorious … glorious Spring. As a Canadian, I too enjoy the changing of the seasons – though as I get older that season that falls between Fall and Spring is getting a little long for my liking :(
Oh, Astra, I hear you, lady! Every joint and bone in my body feels the winter cold and it only gets worse as the years pass. We survived this winter with a broken central heating unit but only for the grace of God. I’ve never worn so many layers in my life! Why do you think I’m relieved the weather’s warming up? hee hee! Here’s to shorter winters, friend! :)
–Bella,
I’ve never seen a dove that gorgeous before. Do you actually have parrots like that flying around? OMyyyyy. Stunning. I can’t believe it.
But my favorite is Roxy. I love love love her. And You. Xxx
Kim, would you believe this parrot is only one of three wild parrots that fly around the house all the time? They are lovely and their feathers are bright green!I’m going to have to post another photo the Son took in another post that features a dove that looks so perfect, you’d think it was stuffed! Roxy is tickled pink at your sweet words! We love you, Kim! xoxo :)
oh my gosh, Bella! Your photos are stunning! I really like that picture of the parrot– so cute :) It’s definitely spring here in the Midwest US. Actually, it’s probably more like summer than spring, really. It’s humid, hot, and there are already thunderstorms and tornadoes!
Laura, my niece has been telling me about the tornado alerts. I lived in North Dakota for a year and I remember suffering our share of tornado alerts and one actual tornado! I also remember how it was dreadfully cold in the winter and hot in the summer! I do not miss shoveling snow, that’s for sure! hee hee! I’m thrilled you like the pictures! Thank you! :)
Ooooo – is she getting ready for bikini weather with that 200 meter dash??? I absolutely love that first picture with the bloom reflecting off the water – beautiful!!! Our spring has been a bit cooler, too. I love it. Wonderful post and pix!!
Nan, thank you for all your sweetness. Our little Miss thinks she’s bikini ready already and these little 200 meter sprints are her way of staying in shape! hee hee! I’m smiling at the fact that you like the flower shot. That’s one of my favorites too! Here’s to warmer days ahead for you and Alpha Hubby! :)
Hi Bella, I also didn’t realize you were living in Europe. I know you want to keep the exact location a secret. Do you live there full time? My parents lived over there for 6 years a while back and I would visit them once a year. I loved it! I experienced Vienna in the winter, Germany and Paris in the summer, and all the seasons are beautiful there.
Here in Pennsylvania our seasons have been a little mixed up lately. Our winter was unusually mild, and so far our spring has been hot and sunny one day and cold and rainy the very next.
I love the change of seasons and I think I would get very bored if they didn’t change.
Your pictures are beautiful! Enjoy your European spring and summer. I look forward to hearing more – you brought out some great memories for me!
Nina, how lovely that you were able to experience Vienna in the winter! They say it’s absolutely stunning! We’ve been planning a trip there for the last three years and so far, nada. Germany, Paris, and Belgium are beautiful in the summer but crowded. Venice is lovely in the spring. I do live here and as you know, I travel to Spain in the summer to visit my mum. That’s not a secret since I love to share photos of the amazing places I visit there. :) I’m so glad this post brought you some memories! I love reminiscing over good times and I know you do too! :)
Whoo hoo! Bella, these are gorgeous. Can I come over and change places with Roxy and you can take me for a walk? I can’t complain – it’s beautiful where I am as well.
On another note, I just nominated you for two awards: Versatile Blogger and Beautiful Blogger! You don’t have to post them, I just wanted to share. http://wp.me/s2b2NZ-awards is the link to the post
Eloise, I’m so grateful for the nomination! I dropped by your blog last night before I even saw this message and was so surprised and pleased! Thank you! Roxy says that while she loves you dearly, she’s unwilling to trade places. She has to many furry friends here that would miss her. hee hee! :)
I’m sure Roxy is the queen of her scene and would be sorely missed. You are so welcome. Your posts are always thoughtful and have just the right touch of humor. I’m always pleased to see your name pop up in the reply notifications. You have the most thoughtful things to say – personal and meaningful. I’m so glad we crossed paths!
Eloise, that makes two of us! I love your beautiful comments! They make my day, friend. Roxy sends you kisses! :)
What lovely photos, Bella! And I especially love the action shot of Roxy. ;) Glad you’re enjoying some warmer temps!
Thank you, lady! I’m dying to see photos of your neck of the woods! You have an amazing camera so I can only imagine the magic you will churn out! It’s funny that the shot of Roxy turned out. I barely had time to half press the shutter button! :)
It looks lovely! Spring keeps teasing us here in Canada. One day it is glorious and everything is bright green and heavenly and then I am back to having blue fingertips and wearing my flannel pajamas. Bring on the warmer temperatures pronto! in the meantime I will live vicariously through your photos…
Kristine, the weather in Canada sounds like the kind taking place in the East Coast where my mom and the Daughter live. I hear them complain nearly every day regarding how unstable it is. Like you, they’re at wit’s end regarding what to wear when they get up in the morning. We’ve had warmer temps but today it was quite chilly. I hope we’re not reverting back to the cold! :)
Bella, your pictures look awesome! And Roxy as adorable as usual. I love the picture of her sprinting, and of the dove, and the flowers, and the cup of coffee of course. :)
In Singapore, it’s been scorching sun then thunderstorms lately. Trees are still brilliantly green (sometimes looking a little morose), and clouds … I’m beginning to notice cloud patterns these days.
Claudine, don’t you love cloud patterns? I love clouds period. They are so beautiful. Whenever I look up at the sky and see the wonderful shapes they make, I regress to childhood. My sisters and I used to spend hours on a grassy knoll looking up at the sky and shouting out what shape this cloud and that cloud made. Good times! I hope the thunderstorms in your part of the world stop and you’re able to enjoy a sunny day! Thank you for your kind words, lady! :)
Bella, while I have no clue where you live but I want to live there! For me, recent signs of spring include heavy construction (boo!). On the bright side, my plants I pictured a few weeks ago are starting to blossom :).
Rachel, I demand a picture of those balcony blooms! I remember that post! Aw, you have to show us how they’ve progressed! Would you believe they’re still finishing up the hallway here? Smurf palace is no more but now the stairs are a safety hazard. Sigh. :)
Gorgeous photos! My favorite is the one of the dove. And of course Roxie.
Leah, thank you! I read Roxy your comment and she twirled! hee hee! :)
Nice pics, Bella!
The weather over here is insane. The week before last we had up to 30°C, which is faaar too hot for May, but now this week it went down to -8°C during the night and about 10°C during the day which is a bit too cold for your average May, too. Weird.
Sabrina, the weather in Germany seems a clone of what is going on in my neck of the woods. One day sunny and quasi warm, and the other wet and cold. I’m thrilled you like the shots, lady! :)