The buds of May are many moons away, but I have been appreciating the promise held in the buds I see on the trees and shrubs now. I am especially drawn to their little budding forms when they are encased in ice and/or dusted in snow. 
Most of these were taken on various morning walks with the dog this month. (The combination of morning light and post-ice-storm sparkle can be totally mesmerizing. I’ve been caught in its particular snares before.)
collecting tokens 
The downside to this is a flock of hungry chickadees eating them, ice and all. I felt like hanging out the window and yelling ‘STOP!’, but it was so, so cold.
Thanks for sharing your pics, Alejna. I particularly love the first and fourth from the top along with the photo at the bottom. :)
I love ice storms’ visual aftermath. The rest of their aftermath, not so much.