Awaiting Spring

Spring comes slowly in these parts.

She gives us little glimpses of the warm weather to come,

and then just as quickly she reminds us that it is

not time yet.

The catkins are strutting their stuff.

Soon they will be blowing around the deck.

Their multitudes will almost seem

like a covering of snow, only brown.

She loves the beach.

Such a short window for this particular spot.

Soon the algae count will become unsafe.

Plus, there are leeches but we take

what we can get.

This place is a short 15 minute drive from our home.

So for now, she can only dream of swimming here.

The memories are good ones.

Even the "sea weed" that tangles

around her ankles and makes her

squeal in horror and swim to shore.

So for now we wait.

And plant things

And prepare for the growing season.

Succulents are her favorites.

She chose all of these plants herself

and did the lion's share of the  planting.

She placed each pebble one by one

making sure each was in the right place.

We were fortunate to find pussy willow

very close to home.

This year we learned NOT to put water in the vase.

They'll be here forever now.

The rain has been falling on and off

for the better part of a week.

So we bide our time and go to yard sales.

A huge one is planned in the city on Saturday.

We wouldn't miss it.

The last sale we happened by

I got this crock, no cracks, for $10.

Ten bucks.

I'll let you know of the weekend's greatest finds.

(I am looking for a canner in good condition.

Wish me luck!)