Cats see differently than we do, I’ve always heard.
Their eyes are designed for hunting and some of their “cones” have been sacrificed so they can see better than humans in the dark. They see in shades of black, white and gray, with occasional color tints.
Which explains why they can’t tell the difference between the red string toy they can play with and the green ball of yarn we’re trying to tuck away.
I’m so glad I’m not a cat.
Spring is the best time of year to remember that. All around me Sonoma County color is exploding with joyful color–and often in the most unlikely places.
I watch for this neighbor’s tree every year to herald spring. Shaped like a lollipop, it’s an ornamental plum tree.
The poor cat would just see an unappetizing gray tree with filtered light. She’d probably note movement: a bird lighting on the branches, but wouldn’t see anything more. I, however, can see and smell the beauty and appreciate the flying bird is carrying a piece of red string to weave into a multi-colored nest.
Sonoma County gets cold enough we can have bulbs. I love hyacinths and daffodils. How about you?
Even the local hens are excited about the season: fresh insects! Our blind dog became excited when the hens arrived to clear out the local pests. She couldn’t see, but she could sniff and I’ve seen her “admiring” the flowers, too!
Ceonothus is also known as California lilacs. They come in many sizes and are very popular with bees. No scent, but the color is subtle and sweet.
I’ve never figured out how the calla lilies determine when to unfurl. They’re up now, their bugles facing the sun and calling us to admire. Red berries cover the hillsides as well, beckoning wrens and red-breasted robins to return home.
Sonoma County still has large swaths of open farmland and the gnarled old valley oaks have yet to green up with new leaves. I spotted these sights driving to Sebastopol, right on the edge of the laguna. You can catch a hint of yellow mustard plants behind the tree.
Across the road half an hour later, the clouds have blown away to show the true colors of spring:
It’s a time for growth and pushing through into new places. We don’t usually like invasive ivy, but you can’t help be but cheered by this plant’s optimism!
But alas for this Miss May, it’s all black and white.
What does spring look like where you are today? What’s your favorite marker that spring is here?
Tweetables:
Spring in Sonoma County Click to Tweet
What do cats miss in Sonoma County? Click to Tweet
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