Spring?

OK, Spring Break started this weekend. It was actually kind of nice yesterday, in the 50's, sweatshirt weather at the park.

Today this is what I see out the front door.

Spring? Phooey.

HaPpY

Here we are after a delicious anniversary dinner. We each had filet mignon, mm-what a treat. And the time together was nice. Nice.

His gift was a watch, shows upside down here. It has the Masonic symbol on it, which signifies something that he is very passionate about, and an organization that does so much good in so many ways. He loved it. It was a gift that I was so excited to give too...!

My gift is an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, this fall. Can't wait.

20 Years

20 years ago today was a day I'll never forget. From preparations at my parents, getting dressed, (ooh I forgot to do my hair!), all family-friends around with happy anticipation, photos.

Going to the church, seeing you dashing in your tux, giving me traditional Norwegian Sølje jewelry in celebration of the day.

The beautiful handbells playing the Pachelbel Canon, as I walked down the aisle with my dad, already feeling emotional. You took one look at me-saw the tears about to break and said, "Hi Buddy!"

Crying during the vows, so heartfelt. You pulled out a blue bandana for me right there at the altar, and the whole church chuckled, the tension of the moment released. Two special pastors sanctifying our bond, signifying that as a pair we were "grace" and "the law." Hmm-wonder which was which.

A beautiful day March 26, 1988 and the start of 20 wonderful years together. I couldn't feel more loved. Each and every day.

Happy Anniversary My Love!

Star of the Week for the Day

G. has a summer birthday. So she gets to be honored in her classroom as the STAR OF THE WEEK this week. And TODAY she was Star of the Day. She made up a poster about her life, family and interests, we brought a couple books to read, and then she brought a snack for the class to share. The two books were written by Simms Taback-Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. And a book of funny ethnic stories-Kibitzers and Fools.


It was really great to see her talk about her poster and the things that are important in her life, and especially to hear the questions. "When were you in Florida?" "Is that really the kind of puppy that you would want to have?" "How old were you in that photo?" "What kind of artist do you want to be?"

It's so nice to have your special day with your school peers. And this was hers.

Enough Already!

OK-I like snow alright. I do live in Minnesota for goodness sake. But this winter the snow has just been relentless! Just when we could see some grass peeking through in some areas, now today it has been snowing all day.

I am so ready for a sunny warm spring day. When we can go for a walk and the streets aren't wet. When the Little Kid & I can zip over to the park, she on her scooter. When the neighbors and kids come out and gather, chatting, having fun, walking the dog...whatever.

PLEASE?? SOON??

Ah-maybe it's just my heart that needs a little melting action...

$rth$d$ntist

Orthodontists. They serve a wonderful purpose, don't they? Creating beautiful smiles? Helping people put their "best face" forward. Sometimes there's a medical reason to have orthodontic work done, or maybe your bite is a little crooked. One of my daughters had to have her palate expanded to help with her breathing.

Not that I carry much guilt about this or anything, but my 3 daughters inherited their teeth from me. Or, I should say, their LACK of teeth. I am missing 2 teeth. A & S are both missing a tooth-a front tooth. Hm. They are both in braces. Currently we have automatic deductions equal to the amount of oh maybe a mortgage on a lake cabin or a boat or a motorcycle or a remodeled bathroom -- you get the idea.

G is missing 4 yes FOUR teeth. Yup. And her teeth are crowded. So she needs orthodontia. Now. She is 7.

This is me.








I tend to be an optimist. So let's just look forward to the positive results, 3 sparkling smiles.
Oh-and I'd better get back to work, so we don't lose our house in the process!

New Outfit

Always a fun occurrence at our house!

Foreshadowing Spring

These are the dog days of winter. It's still pretty cold. It's March. We have 6 inches of crusty snow on the ground. Everyone is ready for spring-you know, anecdotally, speaking in our random idle chit-chat at the dentist office, neighbors, or wherever we may be.

But reality is, we are still oh maybe 4-6 weeks from real, warm spring. Or longer-for some depending upon where you live.

So usually about this time, I'll buy a little pot of bulbs. Daffodils, crocuses, tulips. But invariably it will include hyacinths. There will be sprouts and buds visible, then eventually they will spring into bloom. Such a nice refreshing sight in the doldrums of late winter.

Hyacinths are great because of their strong beautiful scent. I had them on the kitchen table, and I actually had to move them because the scent was overbearing and distracting during dinner.

I put them on the stairs by the front entracne and oh the fragrance every time I went up and down the stairs!!
Then when they are done blooming, just stop watering them. You can plunge them into your garden, about 4"-5" in depth. Then they will bloom the following spring.

They are best at the front of a border, because they are not very tall, and ideally you should put them somewhere like an oft-frequented walkway where you can enjoy their fragrance.

Mini Mozart

The whole family is getting into the act...!!
(I love the way she turns toward the camera at the end)

Perspective

I've been stressed lately. Not too fun. Waking up with a start at 4am. And then I am done sleeping. So I am OK, but at times a bit of a zombie. Trying hard to do what needs to be done in the day, yet a little out of balance.

So today, this was refreshing, and I think with some intentional distractionary measures on the part of my dear love...helpful.

Really-what is more fun than pretending a little, being silly, and then making a treasure chest?



He still has the hat on. And I am laughing to myself, forgetting everything else...