On my way to work I come across the rituals of spring in New England…..tapping of the maple trees.

Rows of metal buckets capturing the flow of maple sap.

Local production……….begins with the branding of each metal bucket. Initials on the buckets evoke images of families participating in the age old tradition of maple sugaring. Steam will later rise through the roof of a sugar shack promising the sweet amber liquid over stacks of pancakes.

Family maple bucket on River Road, South Deerfield, MA.

Though we may not be traveling this winter, we can immerse ourselves in memories of sparkling blue:

The beach at Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

Hilltop View, Peter Island, British Virgin Islands

A relaxing picnic spot on Peter Island