Hello, Dear Friends, and Happy Spring!
We've waited so long and finally,
the birds are starting to sing, the flowers are blooming,
and the earth is coming back to life.
It's been a busy month for me out in the gardens,
and catching up on my spring cleaning.
When those beautiful sunbeams come
streaming through the windows
you get to really see all those dusty corners
that have been neglected all winter!
But I've caught up with things, for the most part,
and can now sit down and do a little catch-up
with you all.
I've completely missed sharing St. Patrick's Day
and almost missed Easter, too!
But I have an excuse.
You see, my dear Ramblin' Man just
celebrated a milestone birthday,
and his wonderful siblings (younger sister, brother and wife)
came all the way from the east coast to
celebrate with him.
It was a surprise, planned for months,
and coordinated by our generous son, Gabe and wife, Erica,
and executed by all of our children,
down to the last detail.
It was a fabulous party, filled with love and laughter,
with lots of memories and more in the making.
How we all kept the secret was quite a feat,
and he notably quipped, "Now I'm wondering
what else you all have kept from me over the years!"
xx
We'll never tell!
xx
My dear man has now reached the dignified age of 70,
and I am not far behind.
We are both a little bit taken by surprise at how
quickly this has come upon us.
Then...1974.
We were high-school sweethearts,
and now here we are, growing old together.
Just like we planned.
xx
"Do not complain about growing old.
It is a privilege denied to many."
- Mark Twain -
" Life is short, and it is up to you to make it sweet."
- Sarah Louise Delaney -
There was one notable absence from the happy reunion, though.
His youngest sister had a serious health scare just two weeks
before the planned event and was not able to make the trip.
The good news is that she is home from the hospital
and recovering, slowly but steadily, which is such a blessing and a huge relief.
We missed her happy presence, but she was with us in spirit
and in all of our hearts.
Speaking of hearts...
My daughter, Heather and cousin Shawnee
and I went to a local flea market a few weeks ago
and found some sweet treasures.
I couldn't resist this one.
And look at this little sweetie I found on a shopping trip
with 'the girls' during their visit.
The perfect thing for chocolate eggs.
Spring is such a fun time to decorate.
I've been sewing a slipcover for my settee', and have
the seat made, so far. I'm working on the back now.
It hasn't been the easiest thing to figure out, but
I managed better than I expected.
The original upholstery was stained and threadbare
and I've been using pillows and throws to cover it up.
I didn't want to try to replace it, as it is the perfect size
for that space. Not to mention how expensive furniture is
now. I used a painter's canvas for the fabric. For $20
and a little bit of effort, I am able to give it a face-lift.
If only real face-lifts were that cheap!
Isn't this a sweet face?
xx
I found the tiny wood box years ago on a shopping trip with my Mom.
It has a cute bunny scene painted on it.
She's been gone now 13 years this month.
I started this blog a month before she passed.
Never knowing...
She never got to see it.
You, my dear friends, helped me during that sad time
with your kind friendship.
Time passes and the ache in my heart has softened
and been replaced with precious, happy memories.
We had a complicated relationship, and I had a difficult childhood,
but I found my way to forgiveness, and we created a loving
relationship despite the past.
It gave me peace.
Despite the fact that it is officially spring, old man winter
is still hanging around here and there.
One minute it is sunny and warm, and the next
minute the wind starts blowing, the clouds move in
and we are pummeled with hail.
Ten minutes later, there is a rainbow and the sun comes out once more.
xx
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished."
- Lao Tzu -
These little faces are cheering spring on.
" A flower blossoms for its own joy."
- Oscar Wilde -
The viburnum and sweet box are blooming with a sweet perfume
that scents the whole yard. They are wild and rangy
and overgrown, but stay evergreen all year, and in spring
they make up for their unkempt ways.
"Where flowers bloom so does hope."
- Lady Bird Johnson -
I found these metal signs at the flea-market, too.
My little grandson gave me the birdhouse for Christmas.
Everything is wild here, especially the forsythia.
The grass will need mowing soon.
It's been fertilized over the winter by the deer and rabbits!
I planted these daffodils last fall and am so pleased with the results.
There are still many more buds.
I am getting serious about planting things that the deer won't eat.
(They won't eat daffodils)
I have researched this and sent away
for seeds to grow some of them.
"My garden is my favorite teacher."
- Betsy Canas Garmon -
The three on the right are for my pots on the deck
and the coleus and cactus are houseplants.
Ramblin' Man cleared the back corner so I could plant a wildflower and herb garden.
He has to finish fencing it, obviously, before I can seed it.
Deer-proof flowers and herbs, of course!
I am also insisting he put in a higher fence along the whole back as an extra
precaution and he has cleared the fence-line so we can have a
clear view of the forest beyond.
"The wilderness is a place of an encounter with the creator."
- Lailah Gifty Akita -
I've been practicing my watercolor skills. I think I might frame these
for next Easter.
We are going to a brunch and Easter egg hunt at a club
that my son and wife belong to, with my whole family.
There's even a petting zoo.
The weather looks agreeable, too!
xx
I hope that you are enjoying the season, whether spring
or fall, and finding time to get out in the fresh air and sunshine.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by, dear friends.
Life is busy and it means so much to me.
xx
he created spring."
- Bernard Williams -
"Beautiful as a dandelion blossom golden in the green grass,
this life can be."
- Edna St. Vincent Millay -
