SPRING!!!!

Have you been wondering where I’ve been? Have you assumed that my blogging absence can only mean that I’ve been out gathering flowers and singing on the hillsides in celebration of the arrival of the most blessed season of the year??

IF ONLY!!!!

More like, I’ve been suffering a major case of blogger’s block caused by a deskwork avalanche (i.e. doing our taxes – aaack!!) and despondency that there is snow – yes, SNOW, not flowers! – covering our yard.

It is a shame that I’ve neglected the blog, because we have so much to share!!

Most notably, a delightful visit from Rob’s parents!

They picked the perfect time to fly out. The weather was absolutely glorious. In fact, their arrival coincided with the first sunny, warmish day of the year! It put us all in such cheerful spirits.

Earlier in the week we had discovered a patio set on sale, and it just happened to arrive – in about a hundred pieces - the first morning Michael and Carol were here. We never like to squander an opportunity to put our guests to work (our parents tending to be our main victims)!

It was really a very fun morning, being outside without coats for the first time in many months.

We immediately christened it with our first lunch on the patio!

One of the delivery boxes even provided hours of entertainment for the kids – and one good-spirited grandfather.

It’s always fun to see the kids come alive when they’re around their grandparents. All that love and attention does them so much good!

The kids and Nanny did lots of cooking and brownie baking. In fact, Nanny did lots of cooking on her own too. We always feel so pampered and well fed when she’s around.

They were here to celebrate the first day of spring with us. It couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Tea on the front porch!

Michael and Rob did some painting on the front rails while Carol and I gathered leaves and discovered signs of life.

We had exactly two flowers on our property: one yellow crocus and one white one. We did have three lavender ones as well, but Sophie swiftly beheaded them despite my shrieking protests from across the yard.

Such a lovely day, and then a cozy evening to follow. I was so relieved to be off bedtime duty a few nights. The kids didn’t miss me a bit, you can imagine.

We enjoyed the fire, and then watched a few episodes of Doc Martin on Netflix (our nightly tradition) before retiring for the night, joyful in the knowledge that spring had finally arrived and winter was laid firmly to rest, not to be seen again for many many more months.

We were therefore stunned to look out the window the next morning. What??? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

This was just too sad for words.

Oh winter, why can’t you just leave us alone? You still cling to us, 9 days and 4 hours after you’re meant to be a forgotten memory.

Ah, well, the bright side is that we managed to pack in all four seasons in one short visit. It was so wonderful to have you here, Michael and Carol. Thank you for coming out to see us!!

AND HAPPY SPRING, EVERYONE!!! WE LIVE IN HOPE!