I woke to early morning, heavy valley fog lurking over a promise of a sunny day. Now, a few hours later, the fog has burned off and the sun is bright in a blue sky. Temperatures are predicted to hit 65F. With the rain (and snow!) we had earlier in the week, the plant world, with just a bit of sun-driven warmth, is primed to explode into a frenzy of bloom today.
Here is what I was seeing several days ago—still cold, gray, damp and waiting. It has its own beauty, the kind that can’t really be seen on a brightly sunny day.
The brown remains of last year's leaf stems and fertile fronds of Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) wait patiently for warmer weather.
Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica), one of the earliest of wild flowers, true to its name, graces the forest floor next to last years fronds of Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides).
Friends recently commented that "puffballs" are not very "pretty" when dead. If that is true, might this not be a portrait of "Beauty (Claytonia virginica) and the Beast (Wolf's Fart Puffball, Lycoperdon pyriforme)?"
Scarlet Elf Cap (Sarcoscypha coccinea) was springing up from the forest floor in many places, such a surprising color to find any time of year but especially among the browns and grays of early spring.
I can imagine what the same woods will look like by the end of this warm, sunny day! Actually, I hope to do more than imagine. I hope to get back out there and see for myself.
Still Learning To See 
Wouldn’t it be exciting to pitch a tent in a favorite spot and take pictures on the hour all day long??!! Tenting is such a close, quiet way to be part of the woods–I remember taking pictures of a young fern opening over a morning. Great to hear that you’re enjoying this lovely day 🙂