Forcing Spring

Spring cannot seem to get its act together here in Central NY.  In fact, just as we were starting to be able to see earth and dormant grass instead of snow, we got another 7 inches on Friday.  Such a sad, cruel April Fools joke!

I was chatting with a friend who lives farther north than me and she started talking about having fresh forsythia in her house.  I was shocked - how on earth could she have fresh flowers already, she was farther north than me!  Then she let me in on the secret she picked up from her mom and grandmother: you force the little suckers into blooming!

I was sold!  I had seen this post last week at Happy Clipping$ about reclaiming jars and making them pretty with a little mod-podge and scrap booking paper and embellishments.  So on my perfect day I sneaked away from G-Girl long enough to mod-podge the jars and went out in the drizzle-sleet-nasty-cold and chopped off a bunch of forsythia ends.  I stuck them all in water and left the house for 2 days.

Sunday Sunshine

Practicing contentment by remembering the graces of the week and practicing gratitude by giving.

Last week's spring preview gave way to cold temperatures this week and more snow.  Btu it has also brought some sunny days.  I got a day on my own on Friday which was a great break, while LittleG and Handyman went off on their own adventures.  I continue to be blessed by the kindness of friends who spend time and share their love with my daughter.

Fun things from this week included strawberry filled chocolate cupcakes, a game night with friends, a phone upgrade to a new toy and some down time brought on by the late season snow.  This week also included some good conversations with family.

My alone time for today is punctuated with a warm cup of tea and some quiet, before the projects and the responsibilities again take precedence.

I hope you are able to see the joy in your week and the peace in the night.  Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:16 -The Message) May the light of the Father brighten your week!

2011 Gardening Kick Off

I still have snow in the yard, but I am seeing signs of spring.  Which then got my brain planning on the garden and ... and... and... I'll just give you a couple shots of the daffodils and first buds of the bleeding heart that are coming up:

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This post is linked at An Oregon Cottage's Tuesday Garden Party.

Sunday Sunshine: Preview of Spring

Practicing contentment by remembering the graces of the week and practicing gratitude by giving.

This week, we were given a sneak peek at spring with a couple of warm sunny days!  GBaby learned about puddle-jumping.  We started cleaning out the garden beds and I started scheming, er, planning my garden for this year.

HandyMan and I got a much needed evening away thanks to great friends (Thanks G, D & K!)  We also were able to enjoy some much needed family time, to reconnect after what has been a very full and stressful couple of months.

Saturday we were able to spend the day with friends, enjoying a meal, visiting and letting the kids play.  It was a much needed respite from our own chores and routine!  (Thanks J & J!)

It's been a week full of blessings.  I hope you have a great week and have the strength to choose to find the blessings!

Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light.” (James 1:16 -The Message) May the light of the Father brighten your week!