Lacey

Dogwood trees in bloom have always reminded me of lace. I love the way the branches grow semi-horizontally, like arms embracing the spring warmth. This spring I've been especially aware of the redbud trees. I never knew the name of them until this year- seems they should be called purplebud trees (or at least pinkbud), but I won't argue.

This week is Spring Break for me. I've been enjoying it, but there is quite a lot more that I need to get done. There are papers to write, projects to complete, quilts to finish, and two (2!) houses to clean. I'll be glad when we're back in Chalybeate- at least there I only have one household to keep tidy.

Oh, summer, how I anticipate your arrival. I can do without the oppresive heat, but at least all my classes will be finished. I'll be glad to give my planner a bit of rest and get mixed up with what day it is. Is it Tuesday or Wednesday? Oh, who cares... it's a day to rest, play, read, and craft. I'm hanging on... eight more weeks.

Spring, how I love thee...

I'm not an optimistic person by nature.

I wouldn't say that I'm negative, exactly. It's just that I'm realistic. Instead of closing my eyes and pretending that everything's fine, I tend to see the reasons why things won't work out or the obstacles that have to be overcome in situations. This can drive people around me crazy. I think this makes me a good problem-solver.

It also makes it hard to endure the winter. Every year it overtakes me. I haven't figured out how to enjoy months of dreary, cold, terribleness.

But right now, I'm on the brink of my favorite time of the year. Spring is coming. I can feel it. In just two short days it will be the first day of Spring. This means months and months of warmth- the trees will have leaves on them and flowers will start blooming again. I can drive past fields on the way home and measure the passing weeks by the growth of tobacco and soybeans. The days will get longer and longer. We can sit on the porch, drink some tea or a glass of wine, and talk about our day.

This year, more than ever before, I'm excited about Spring. We'll be moving back to Fuquay. I can't fully express how much I've missed living there. I cannot wait to clean my house, water my flowers, and throw pots out in the shed.

Maybe I've got a touch of optimism in my bones, after all.

Bawk, Bawk

I love the country. Bawk, bawk.

So pretty

It's pretty, but I'm still anxiously awaiting spring. I can't help it.

An update on the kitchen

A dear friend of ours is helping Michael with the kitchen cabinets. He came over and measured and they talked about the floorplan on Saturday. A day later he had built a really cool model- it's to-scale and everything. I kind of want to paint it and put tile down. Would curtains be a bit much?

My favorite part is how much the finger puppets like it.

How do you access electrical wires after the drywall has been installed?

It's February? It's the END of February?

I'm not sure where the last month has gone. Although if you're going to steal a month from me, February is definitely the one I would prefer for you to take. I cannot WAIT until the Spring. This happens every year- I somehow convince myself that I will never be warm again. The flowers will never bloom, there will be no more leaves on the trees- ever. The White Witch has truly cursed us and it will be always winter but never Christmas.

So, to get myself out of this funk, I've been taking pictures with my (new) camera. Nature really is beautiful, even in it's dormant state.