Venus, first violet, Ranunculus leaves

This was one of the most beautiful mornings we've had since arriving. I left Cauderan at 7:10, Venus bright in the east, hardly any water on the streets (which is unusual). I grabbed the paper in Pessac, waited 20 minutes for a late train, and by the time we left the sky was glowing orange and yellow. Train to Cestas / Gazinet, and in the inundated ditches along the roadside, enormous buttercup leaves were unfurled, along with patches of light green geranium. The first violet I've seen this year was open but submerged in the ditch. By the time I hit Pierroton, the sun was just coming up over the houses.