We have a large, old magnolia tree in our front yard. It is in full bloom. This year feels unusual, compared to recent years, in that there are no storms coming through, blowing all the blossoms off almost as soon as they appear. Of course, we did lose yet another two limbs less than a month ago, when an ice storm drifted through, and there were already buds on the tree then. But when the tree was finally convinced it was warm enough to bloom, and it went for it, we have been left in peace to enjoy it. Sunday was a nice day, and I took my camera with me when I went into town. On the way in, I was noting how many other magnolia trees there were in the neighborhood, and so on the way home, I took a photo of each one. The main photograph here is a view of ours. Fron this angle, you can see how the shape is getting a little crazy, after it losing so many limbs in recent years. Today I decided I had to start mowing the lawns. There is small patch of grass under the magnolia tree, covered of course with petals. This second photograph is before I raked them all off and got to work with the mower.