With this stretch of predicted seven days with colder than average temperatures and the abundance of blackberry blooms surrounding the property of our house (and probably other places), I realized that this is Blackberry Winter. Margaret Mead said, "Blackberry winter is the time when the hoarfrost lies on the blackberry blossoms; without this frost the berries will not set. It is the forerunner of a rich harvest." It is a colloquial expression used to describe a cold snap that often occurs in late spring when the blackberries are in bloom. The Farmers' Almanac notes that it usually occurs May 10-15. It's a few days early. And I certainly hope that there will be no frost in Nashville, although the forecast is for 35 Saturday morning. What a year this has been! No swimming in the pool yet!

I do have a terrific iris photo for tomorrow!