Final Goodbyes

Last Sunday at AF. There should have been a lot more camera flashes, but I get shy about saying, "Let me get a picture!" The girls, however, were alread standing close by and it seemed only natural to have them lean in. Hopefully, this week, as we gather with friends for final goodbyes, I'll get my courage up a bit. Why does it feel so intrusive to ask for that benefit /favor? Minda will cherish this photo in years to come and so will the rest of the girls. Yet, when it comes to being forward and requesting the honor of capturing the moment, I feel embarrased and graceless. I get butterflies just thinking about it! aaauuuggghhh!

Old Man Winter (is getting soft in his old age)

Snow is still covering our mountain. Though, the ground is visible in spots. The snow is old, and crunchy. No diamond dust or powdery fluff. In spite of his grip, hope of Spring is poking through. Fuzzy buds are slowly unfurling from the tips of the Choke Cherry bushes.

Kale didn't mind the cool temps. Onesie was his choice of attire for the evening of our dinner at his place. "Naynomi" (as our little Lils would say) made amazing meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I had 2 helpings, folks. It was DE-lish! She and Peter then taught us to "poop on our neighbor" :oD (it's Rook, but the other one is more fun to say!) Peter won. Does that make him King of the dung hill?

We used the last of Cassia's anniversary gift this week too. We know how to strangle our gift certificate dollars! 3 months and several meals at Cat Eye later, we have exhausted it. :o)

J. always orders breakfast. The 'Cat'astrophy and the Mexi'cat' above and below. Gastronomic delights, both.

Peter and Naomi came by with some boxes for us! Packing ensued. Such a blessing.

J is officially done at the office on Saturday. We are continuing to spend our final days with friends.

Friends. :o) What a great remedy for Old Man Winter's blues.

Surprise!

Dreaming in Flowers (and vegies)

February always finds me sketching plans for the upcoming spring planting. Back in Washington I could actually carry out these plans, but here, they are only sketches.

I dream in flowers. Secret gardens of my mind. Tiptoeing through visions long embedded from stories, and whisps of memories become my nightly foray during this time of year.

I can smell the fresh earth, feel the moisture under my feet, name each plant as I go. And, I gather. I gather the ingredients for our salsa, I choose blossoms for the vases, and I hold moments in my heart that I will return to when next I dream. There is a sound of contented buzzing in the garden of my dreams. There are moss encrusted walls of rocks and the sun is always warm on my back as I wander.

But as I said, here & now, they are only longings - - only sketches.

And while I sketch, Minda knits.

Soon the seed catalogues will begin arriving. I'll pack them by my side instead of in a box. They'll while away the miles between destinations. Oh, I do hope we are settled in time to plant!

For now I'll just dream of playing in the dirt.

Winter :: Lengthening Days

Ever so slowly there is a turning toward the sun.

Filling the Days

With friends, sunrises, sunsets, more friends and lots of goodbyes...