Two Trees; One Ring

It's been a week.  A pretty mild week weather-wise.  Some rain, a bunch of sun and quite a few clouds.  But it seems to be doing the trees some good. I took these photos yesterday afternoon as I wasn't sure I'd have time this morning.  It was much later in the day than I usually take these pictures.  It's interesting to see the difference between morning light and that of late afternoon. 

Progress for the maple is not just wishful thinking any more.  It really is sprouting some leaves now. At least I assume they are leaves.  Will we be surprised?

And the copper beech is just slowly doing its thing.  It doesn't seem to have dramatic turns in the spring.  Can you see how flat the light is at this time of day? 

And,  here are some winter blooms which I couldn't resist sharing.  Ivory Prince, our lovely hellebore, is making his way to the stage.  I'm sorry to report that his friend, Hot Flash, is not going to perform this year.  She seems to have taken her prickly leaves and gone into retirement for a while.