Unusual appearances

So far this spring has been distinguished by two appearances I’ve not seen before. Wonder if it's cyclical or somehow a product of last summer’s drought.

First, there is an abundance of crane flies this year, not like anything I’ve seen before. Walk through a field or the woods and the rise from the ground in all directions, hovering everything in their awkward slow motion flight

Then there is the profusion of yellow locust blossoms.

In the 30 years I’ve watched the spring here I’v never seen anything like it. They are hanging heavy with drooping flowers, thick as leaves. You can catch the fragrance on the breeze. Look out the valley and they have taken over with the same occasional brilliance.... just as the dogwoods have faded from view.