Let me go on record as saying I do not mind this weather. I have the ongoing leaf issue, but I will not protest 40-plus-degree weather in January.

My plants, however, are growing puzzled. A lilac bush on the south side of the house has midsize green buds. My daughter rushed to the front yard to see if that meant her plum tree might be budding, too, but not yet.

Just as well. It usually blooms in May. The mild weather can continue right on through spring if it likes, but I’m not ready for things to bloom three months early.

The lilacs might beg to differ, of course.<P>

<em>This post originally appeared on <a title=”Midland Daily News” href=”http://www.ourmidland.com/”>ourMidland.com</a&gt;, the online home of the Midland (MI) Daily News. Republished with permission.</em>