From Dragonfly: Spring is in the Air

Okay, for you folks up north, I know that you are facing snow flurries (still) and the highest your weather has been in a long time is in the 40's with a huge windchill, but down here in Texas, most our days start out cold, but become beautiful by afternoon. Yesterday, I think we were in the high 70's, today will be the 60's, and tomorrow, back into the 70's. Some of the trees on the compound are starting to bloom, and the yard is becoming pretty again (although we still have a lot of brown grass for the time being).

I guess our old Warden didn't want the compound to be pretty, but our newish Warden did. To some, it almost looks like a small college campus - trees, plants, flowers, grassy fields, and nice flower gardens. We have landscape crews (made up of inmates) who work hard on beautifying the compound through planting interesting things, ensuring the health of the existing plants/trees, maintaining the lawn, and more. In fact, Carswell just started two different apprenticeships regarding landscape architecture and horticulture. Once certified, the inmates in the program will be able to practice the craft on the outside of prison as well.

I can't say that I ever feel as if I'm on a college campus here. The buildings are not too nice and it would maybe be the size of a tiny campus or community college. I think it's the attitude of most the people here that make the idea of college being so difficult to imagine - more like a junior high, as I've said before. But, this would be a very large campus for a junior high school!

Anyway, it's nice getting to enjoy a little warmer weather, sunshine, and seeing trees literally bloom overnight. As the landscaping crews add new plants to the main building entryway, the place is moving into Spring with bright colors and interesting character. I, for one, appreciate the work going into the grounds, here. It make it just a little bit more serene for those of us who notice.