What’s been going on catch-up and such

Written before the blog pause

On YouTube I’ve been discovering more craft based channels. I don’t think anything that can be cut, fastened, glued, twisted, or sewn hasn’t or isn’t being done. Amazing art. I’m developing a craving for decoupaging balloons with lace dollies. 

Last gas up at the cheaper gas station was $4.00/gallon for regular unleaded. It was a shock for a second there. At other gas pumps, I’ve seen $4.59/gallon. 😱

An increase of  arthritis discomfort in my knee is not a shock. I had a recent cortisone shot that helps, but I still can’t walk far. An exam for a possible knee replacement is scheduled. 

Spring is at peak here in Vermont. After all the rain, the green everywhere is just stunning. Warmer sunny weather is welcome. Alas, there was a recent frost warning. 

The Sparkle of Sunshine

 When the sun shines just right in the trees on a windy day, the leaves sparkle. I stood looking at what I think is a beach or type of birch tree, thinking about how to paint that. There are ways, but none that are better than seeing it happen in person.

Spring is the best when seen outdoors as a physical biosphere experience. 

I was zooming in for a flower close up.
Instead, a beautiful sunny branch shows up.

Sunny morning

Spring on day 2

It is almost, uh, it is 10 AM EDT as I type. Up once earlier, I looked out the window to see yesterday’s snow is not melting yet. No worry  because the ambient temperature might go up to 40° Fahrenheit this afternoon.

Half of Spring is ready while the other half catches up. Like me. Catching up. On days like this I want food that is easy to heat up because I don’t want my attention taken away from whatever task I’m doing. 

Cooking is a whole other task block. Easy food when busy is good planning. Lentil soup with chunky vegetables and a tall glass of ice tea is a good busy day menu. 

Making soup requires prepping the veggies. Without realizing it, I’ve been brainwashed to feel unpeeled carrots are bad. They are not. Peeling carrots is not required, especially when they are cut up and boiled in soup. 

My busy day will start with making lentil soup. 

Being busy requires prep work as well.

Welcome to Spring!

Spring is the newness season, weeks for flowers to emerge from the ground, shrub's to show their lovely blooms, and lawns to yawn heavy into the warmer air. The first sound of a mower is as delightful as hearing a robin sing.

Moving furniture to the better air conditioner cool air flow arrangement is always a pleasant task. This year’s downsizing makes it even better. I look around to see what is there that I can change, renew, redesign. Ideas flow well on a Spring atmosphere. 

 I don’t mind selling the coffee table I love so much. I face the fact it is too big for the space. Missing the iron hair pin legs is the problem. I look online to find a set to make a smaller coffee table. I am thrilled they are sold in stores, Walmart even!

Do you move furniture around in the Spring? Redecorate? Redesign your space?

Day 72 of Week 11 March 2026

Almost Spring

What’s been going on out there in blog land? Being away this week under a stressful situation, returning feels like arriving home from a vacation I don’t remember taking. 

Our emotion reserves have a personality that fits the cuteness of a dog with its face out the vehicle window joyfully breathing in all the glory life has to offer. Ah, if we could be chill as a happy pet. 

My week has been interesting in that my approach to the stress was different. One tool is to pick one task and get it done. There are no dishes in my sink, (of note). A small file cabinet will have a new home. I’m enjoying going through the folders stored in it (that I see maybe once a year). I repaired most of the vintage lap quilt cover. (a fabric section from the 1940s added to a 1990s section.) I pushed through an anxiety surge to go out to lunch with a friend. 

How has your week been?

A Winter Mind Set

 Spring is only 84 days away!

12 weeks with

longer and longer daylight.