California oaks, end of March

There is something so majestic about California oak trees, regardless of the time of year, and whether they stand lonely in a summer-dry field, or, like these, in a community of trees. I am learning that "live oaks"--the evergreens--while always bearing leaves, are always losing them too: autumn clean-up twelve months a year, and their leaves are hard and sharp, almost like English holly.

Right now, the live oaks are flowering; mild green, almost-catkin flowers. And the deciduous oaks are just starting to find their new leaves: this acid-green haze has only appeared, it seems, today... contrasted against the stormy-grey sky, they are shouting, awake! Spring is here!

Amazing trees. Just amazing.