Pausing to reload (or refill, really) in the ongoing war with Pearl, Merle, and Earl, who are now at the suet feeders (I think it was Pearl who had her picture taken yesterday), I came across these beauties just blooming away. I collected the saffron after taking the picture.
Crocus sativus
the miserable gardener 
I know these crocuses…and a conversation with Cindy about saffron. All the pictures are lovely.
Yes, thanks, she used to collect the threads, now it’s up to me. Forget to go out and look one day, and they’re gone. I missed a couple already this year.
James Beard’s recipe for saffron bread is here http://saharsaffron.com/Recipes/PlainSaffronBread.htm
It makes about the best toast, though Beard’s currant bread is right up there too
bob