Booming Monsoon Blooming

The familiar monsoon season pattern is emerging now, bringing hulking, rumbling clouds rolling in from the north and west each afternoon. Their rains are welcome recharge for this spring's lush burst of green life, and cool preceding breezes are welcome comfort each day.

Just in time as the chokecherry bushes are blooming, ferns are spreading and wild hops are reaching tendrils skyward in search of anything to twine around before they start blooming.

Hops look a lot like fat-leaved marijuana plants for good reason, both being in the family Cannabaceae

Down lower to the ground, an unidentified plant peeks rust red from the greening surround.