sunshine

I realized as I posted this picture here, that I posted a nearly identical picture last spring.But, then I thought, isn't that was awaiting spring is all about anyway? Knowing and looking forward to that green bud we know will come year after year. Forcing a little green is kind of irresistible in February.

My last post I think I mentioned trying to get through February. Funny that it is the shortest month and yet it always feels the longest. I guess my silence means it's been a but of struggle. It's amazing what a say or two of sunshine will do for you. Even knowing that there will still be snow (last year we were snowed in on Easter, for crying out loud.), it just feels so good. Ramona and I have been out for long,long walks this weekend. It's time to lose that winter layer.

Here's a little B&S sunshine for you.

Maybe four years ago I remember listening to the Promise Ring's Wood/Water a lot around this time of year. Because of that, I always think of these lyrics when things show signs of thawing:
Spring cleaning's coming as we lose the cold weather
Put away your long johns and all your thick sweaters
We'll cut off all our winter hair
Sit out on the lawn chairs
As the sun forgets that we're here
We forget our career
All the lukewarm weeks at sixty degrees
We're hoping it's humid show our summer knees
Once in a lifetime once in a while the sun will shine on me

sunny sunday

coffee outside::lazy dog watching airplanes::winter things packed away::laundry on the line::wildflowers planted::clean car::new sunglasses::this jacket::the long winters::

a walk through the cultural gardens::

Three Bernese Mountain Dogs::gelato under umbrellas::

falafel & chickpea fattoush::the new issue of Blueprint::
More photos here.

wait for it

There are quite a few signs of Spring around here. It is about time. Spring comes slowly aorund these parts. I finally got around to putting together a modest seed order for my container garden. I'm really excited. We didn't plant anything last year because we were travelling too much. The previous year we did pretty well, although I suspect that the squirrels harvested more of our crop than we did. I'm ordering all heirloom varieties this year,which made the selection process a lot more fun. I'm obsessed not just with the appearance and taste of these varieties,but the names of them are fantastic. One of the tomatoes we ordered is called the "mortgage lifter". Pretty great, I think.


Nate and Hannah came up this weekend. We did some early celebrating of Hannah's birthday with lunch at Melt. Sadly, I forgot to take pictures, but it is a grilled cheese retaurant and every bit as delicious as you can imagine. Maybe even more so.We also enjoyed the weather with a trip to the dog park. Ramona had a great time showing off her guests. We met the biggest fuzziest Newfoundland,which was the icing on the cake.



Now, it's Monday, and the party is over. It's time to contemplate getting some work done before the snow flies again. This is the midwest. It's entirely possible.