April 15

Most of the snow has melted now, but goodness it was disheartening to wake up to a 23 degree morning.  We went for one last romp this morning, but somehow "April 15" won out over "snow" in my dressing plan and we went outside without snow pants, gloves or hat, all of which we needed.

Worms are Audrey's latest obsession.  (Thanks, Wild Kratts!)  We have had more worm "rescues" in the last two days than I can count (living free and in the wild!).  Yesterday, the side walk in front of the library was covered with dried up worms.  Audrey had two in her hand when I told her they had to be returned to the dirt and not brought into the library.  She put them in the dirt, but apparently thought that next worm she found would be ok to bring in.  It wasn't until a librarian (a nice one), asked me, "Is she supposed to have that? *uncomfortable laugh*" that I realized Audrey had a shriveled up, fried worm in her hand.

Worms on the sidewalk are just another sign of spring, although I'm not sure what a worm on the snow is a sign of....

On The Bright Side

Instead of dwelling on the returning cold today, here is what we did in the beautiful spring days last week.  Park. Botanic Garden. Beach. Lovely.

Aaaaand right now, snow is falling.  Spring is not for the faint of heart.

Thinking Spring

Even if it feel like winter outside.

I thought about getting my bike out, but it is still way too cold for riding (for me. There are lots of people out riding.)

I went though the kids summer clothes to see what they had that fits, even though we are still wearing mittens and hats.

The only thing making me excited right now is re-watching the first season of Downton Abby. It is, I think, even more exquisite re-watching the beginning, knowing how it all unfolds.  Mrs. Patmore's first lines are so prophetic for the series and the dreamlike, dusky lighting mark it as the enchanted season, before the war, before the painful losses to come. Just hearing the theme music makes me happy.  Hopefully season one last me until warmer weather.  

If you need a smile, you might want to check this out:  Upside Downton Abby by Sesame Street.    

More Color

Artwork by Audrey

Spring Fling

The snow in our yard melted quickly on Thursday and Friday in the warm sunshine.  We headed out and found peeking green and white in the sea of brown.

My own solution to the lack of color around here was to get this new bag.  I've been meaning to get it since my birthday in January, which was during this crazy week.  It makes me so happy just to think about my new, bright bag.

There is still plenty of snow around town and we were back to freezing temperatures over the weekend.  But still, it was nice to see some color.  I'll be on the lookout for more this week.

Happy Monday!

Windows Wide Open

Monday was the day I've been dreaming about since mid January.  The temperature crept into the 50s, snow and ice melted into rivers and ponds and I opened every window in the house.  They stayed open for only 10 minutes, but it was wonderful, it made me feel hopeful, to have the fresh air breezing through the house.  The kids rode their bikes through the puddles and mud without hat or mittens and jackets unzipped.   Hello, Spring! I wanted to call. But I knew better.  

Last night it snowed. And this is how Winter and Spring will dance through the next weeks (and hopefully not months) - widows open one day, winter wonderland the next. 

I have actually enjoyed the dark days of winter, snug in our house and snow falling deep. This year particularly I have so loved watching Audrey and Colton together.  Their imaginations have blossomed in the hours of uninterrupted play.  (Of course, there have been rough days, but most of the time I remember that this is a season and will not last forever.)

But in March and April it feels like winter will never end. The days grow longer and Easter approaches and I wait daily to see blossoming tulips, greenery dressing all the trees, to turn my face toward the sun's warmth.  And wait and wait.  I have expectations for Spring and am disappointed to the point of despair when it does not unfold as I think it should.  This year I don't want to fall so low.  This year I will (try to) accept the season as it is.  Today I will be thankful for the snow.

Migration

We spent the last week in California, visiting my parents.  It was a great trip and, having left our crazy weather for the West Coast's crazy weather, somewhat surreal.  It was foggy but warm (!!!!) the day we went to Natural Bridges State Beach.  It is a winter home to Monarch butterflies and although most headed north two weeks ago, we were still able to see an amazing amount.  (I took it as a sign that this winter will not last forever, if delicate butterflies are heading north. Warm weather will come.)

Far away they looked like dry leaves, but then when the sun would come out they would warm up and flap their wings.

Down at the beach....

In the tide pools....

From the air.... (a great blue heron, did you see in in the second tide pool picture too?)

Would you mind terribly if I shared more pictures of our trip later this week?  I promise to try to keep them to a minimum.  Man, it was good to get away!