And still counting ... (15,042-15,105)

 longer light, teasing warmer spells, laughter with my kids, daffodil shoots emerging

music on walks, good podcasts, cuddles with Erin, car talks with Lanie, that man of mine

freedom in loss, all these years homeschooling, her acceptance into the STEM program, piano recitals, plans for a senior shoot

coffee in the morning, running, book stacks and books read, Amy from our oversight, Anita

Jenne, Nora, Kellie, Sharon, Christy

Joanne, Lindsay, Cindy, Joel, fresh veggies in the fridge

the writers on 66 Books, Bible studies in the mail, make up in the mail for a video project, ribbon sticks with 12-ft streamers, a good laugh

a dog to play with, jelly beans, a girl back on dairy, a good doctor, northbound geese

tank tops and shorts, windows open, bird song, daffodils, gifted flowers at my back door from a neighbor

burgers on the grill, a freezer full of ice cream, friends over on spring break, chocolate and cherry smoothies, a working vacuum

a rainy day run, delightful sleep, Kellie who eats 4 tacos, books from the library, a venue reserved for the solo recital

ice water, weeds to pull, a tire repaired, a walk with Erin, naps

a fun outing with the girls, Ruth in the sun, Nella (still here!) enjoying spring, a pink fog, Miss Pat at Wegmans

On the breeze

 Ruth was ready at 3a to start the day. Me? Not so much. But we were up and at it. I dressed in a tank top and shorts (in MARCH, the WORST MONTH EVER), hair in a high pony. I went out for a run at sunrise. When I came home, I was a sweaty mess, and followed up with jump rope and a 2-mile walk. I had a lot planned today.

Not to be obnoxious or anything, but yeah.

 

Lanie is on spring break, and next week, being Holy Week, she's super busy with church. We are having friends over today. This warm, sunny day. I just want to share: we are under a wind advisory, it's warm and humid (79 degrees!). I have windows open in every room. I'm on my fourth load of laundry spinning away. I have a freezer stocked with ice cream and cones at the ready for an after school splurge when our friends get here (their break is next week). I vacuumed and mopped and dusted. I took all the winter bibs and coats and hats and boots and the long leather boots and put them away until next winter (hope I'm not ahead of myself on this). 

It feels so good to have windows open. And friends coming over. And afternoon coffee with another mom. If feels so good to have warmth and sun on my face and a breeze blowing through the windows. 

We scheduled the tractor's maintenance. I have a couple of Bible studies on the school table to begin. I have ribbon sticks with 12-ft long rainbow ribbons. The kids are outside now because we've been inside for what feels like forever. 

I just wanted to stamp this moment in time. My oldest is a graduating high school senior. My youngest begins high school in the fall. But in this sweet moment, it feels like it's always felt when they were little and we were awaiting treasured friends. Those days feel like they really were just yesterday: Vivi. Anna and Cara. Marshall and his sibs. There were other friends and other memories, but those named will always be my favorites. 

I remember that moody day on the carousel, wondering how I had missed the last day that my kids would have enjoyed the ride--how I had missed the opportunity. But, this--living as if it's the last. Savoring running through the field, laughter, games, ice cream. And a friend who has been by my side for nearly all of it. 

I'm taking pictures. 

Tonight's dinner: burgers on the grill. I'm making potato salad, too. Thank you, God, for this beautiful day, for friends who've been in it for the long haul, for ice cream, and for potato salad.

Day story

 March 2021

Outside my window, daffodils are shooting forth. I am waiting (impatiently) for spring to arrive. March is the hardest month of the year for me as winter battles spring with unpredictable temperatures, weather, winds. I don't mind cold, but I can only tell myself convincingly once that wind is blowing in warmer temperatures. The rest of the time, wind is just cruel. However, these past few days have been sheer delight outside. I grabbed pruning shears and rakes, and together Erin and I have been trying to take back the side garden and rock garden.

Giving thanks for spring dreams, applications submitted, Lanie's acceptance into the STEM program. Giving thanks for better (as in NO) stress stats, freedom from and freedom to. Giving thanks for book stacks, homeschool reviews (Lanie's LAST), and so much more. Good coffee. Warm breezes. Dirt under my nails. A future of possibility. 

I am celebrating three years as a runner. And I am definitely celebrating. 

I am reading a big stack: Dodging Energy Vampires by Christane Northrup, The Benedict Option by Rod Dreher, Doing Life With Your Adult Children by Jim Burns, Disappointment with God by Philip Yancey, Twelve Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson, and Indistractable by Nir Eyal. 

Around the house, prepping for spring. This is the year, although I say it every year, this is the year I take back the gardens. We've decided by buy bagged mulch instead of getting a load delivered. I hope this speeds things up. And I'm already clearing areas of vines. I am excited to offer hospitality this year to friends--swim dates, music performances with friends, bonfires, field picnics, and table coffees. This feels good.

I value authenticity. I accept people for who they are, and I require the same in return if we are to be in relationship. Otherwise, not interested.

On the letterboard: Own it. (Still on there from earlier this year because I still love it.)

A view of my favorite things

Blue is peace. And it's been like that ever since.

a recent recital with a favorite teacher

It's ALWAYS 65 degrees in my house

It's only Latin, folks

New running shoes

tulips are my favorite

 

At the table, the other night we had burgers on the grill. Thank God for Trader Joe's most delicious gluten-free hamburger buns. The best ever. And that burger, it was like it was delivered from heaven. Perfection. I love spring and summer grilling.