Summer Breakfast

I know it's still spring - technically - but it feels, and tastes, like summer!

Pretty Evening Light

Just a pretty evening . . .

I Love My Bike!

As bikes go, it's nothing very special - a Giant Cypress - a hybrid - at least ten years old. For most of its life it sat in the garage or basement, collecting dust. You see I don't feel safe riding on the road with cars, and until two years ago, I lived in neighborhoods with lots of auto traffic. Now, however, I'm lucky to live in quiet neighborhood near the Norowottuk Rail Trail. Just a quick, bumpy ride through the woods to the trail, and I can ride without fear of being knocked over by a car. I might get knocked over by a rollerblader, or perhaps another cyclist, but still it feels much safer. I'm not an athlete, not that kind of rider, but when I'm on my bike, flying down a hill, I feel like I'm 10 years old again. There's no better feeling!

Wood Anemone

Another sweet woodland flower in my yard. This one is called Wood anemone (Anemone quinquefolia).

I found its name it using this wonderful Flower Identification website.

Fiddleheads!

Every day there's something new to see outside my door. This morning, these unfolding ferns were the prize winners! I've never eaten fiddleheads. Have you? I don't know if the ones growing in my yard are edible, but even if they are, I think I'll let them grow into the bushy greenery that I love.

Wakerobin Outside My Door

Trillium - a delicate forest wildflower also known as "wakerobin" - blooms outside my door.

A host of sweet woodland flowers bloom while they can catch a bit of springtime sun - before the trees leaf out.

How lovely to find these so close to home.

A Visit from E.B.

Have you ever tasted Burdick chocolates? They are like nothing else. Tiny little things, perfectly made, subtly flavored, amazingly delicious. I am so lucky that Ananda sends them to me!

Signs of Spring

I so love seeing the brave little crocuses emerge!

Never Dull?

Lately I've been checking in on an interior design blog that's new to me: Apartment Therapy. They run a program every year called "The Spring Cure," that's a series of assignments to clean up and organize your home. This year there's also a kitchen-only version called, "The Kitchen Cure." I haven't officially signed up, but I'm inspired! I cleaned out the fridge & freezer last week. Today - my big ol' junk drawer.

It's quite satisfying. I threw out some junk, saved a few things for the Shambhala Center tag sale in the fall, and I found a few things that I thought I'd lost! It may be dull to some, but to me it's a pleasure.

A Quick Evening's Work

I HELPED ANANDA SET UP HER BOOTH FOR THE PARADISE CITY ARTS FESTIVAL IN NORTHAMPTON LAST NIGHT. AFTER DOING SHOWS REGULARLY FOR YEARS, SHE'S REALLY GOT THE BOOTH SET UP DOWN. IT WAS EFFICIENT AND QUICK! EACH EXHIBITOR CREATES A LITTLE WORLD IN THEIR 10' X 10' SPACE.

Spring Through the Window

IN MY THIRD FLOOR OFFICE, STANDING AT THE END OF THE HALL, I LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND SEE THIS HUGE WILLOW DANCING IN THE WIND. SHE'S THE FIRST TO DRESS IN GREEN IN SPRING, AND LAST TO CHANGE TO YELLOW IN THE FALL. TODAY WAS SO WINDY, SHE WAS SWAYING WILDLY.

How We Feel in Late Winter

OUR TOES, FROZEN SOLID THROUGH THE WINTER, CAN PEEK OUT INTO THE SUN!