May Apple & Bell Tower – Photo Tuesday

How’s this for a mid-winter post? A may apple (Podophyllum peltatum L.).

I took it in March in the woods near my parents’ house. As a child, I always loved it when the may apples popped up — looking like umbrellas on the forest floor. We’ve had weather ups and downs in the last few days. On Saturday, we were wearing shorts and t-shirts and Monday, we stood shivering around a fire pit in the back yard. (The highs were in the upper 30s.) The forecast for Christmas day is highs in the 70s and we’re heading down to my parents’ house. I hope it’s sunny.

This is one of my favorite images of the year. Richard took it in Garvin Gardens in Hot Springs, Arkansas, during our annual getaway without kids. It is the bell tower of the Anthony Chapel. I love the lines. We bought day passes to the gardens and spent time there in the late morning and late evening. We photographed squirrels, Koi fish, bees, and the magnificent glass and wood chapel. When we arrived at the chapel, a pianist was practicing on the grand piano. I sat and listened while Richard set up the equipment and snapped photographs.