Emerging

 Greetings from hibernation.  We had a spring like day this week that took us by surprise and made us remember we're alive! What a delight.  It has been a long winter of grey days and asthma treatments, trying to figure out allergy triggers.  It'd be nice if spring decided to come early. In between inhaler puffs we've been to visit Nana and had a valentine tea, gone for a bike ride and enjoyed fellowship with dear friends.  I am not sure we've ever had a muddier winter.  But after five years into motherhood I'm learning that everything can be washed.

Of Light and Color

The light is getting longer and stronger. I can tell because my window sill plants are drying out quicker. One begins to feel it this time of the winter- the longing for warm sun, bright light and for colors. I begin to get a hankering to go to Longwood Gardens and start dreaming of summer gardens and fresh berries.  This is the time of year I am so thankful we've canned summer's harvest because you just start longing for life.  

We've continued to be busy- visits with Nana, Homeschool Co-op days, Music History teaching, first piano recitals, wood pile stocking, and a lot of bird watching. Since everyone seems to be sick we're spending lots of time trying to stay healthy too, making our own Elderberry Syrup, bone broths and as many greens as we can muster.  

Hibernating

I think the animals may be smarter than we are.  There is something about hibernating that makes so much sense.  We've been in the land of cough and croup and have had to hibernate here. We've missed church, events and sleep.  But in the dreariness of winter we've been so happy to enjoy the birds who visit us on our porch. We moved some feeders and brought them closer. The cats and children are thrilled.  I find them peaceful and joyful. Bluebirds have been here for weeks, which is an unexpected thrill. I hope they find good spots for nests as they scout for spring.  Claude the old cat had surgery and we are all learning to let life simmer slower. As usual we find ourselves color starved this time of year and break out the paints, get some gorgeous flowers and drink in their scents and vibrancy and decide that really, spring can come early.