Over the Backyard Fence

Spring heralds its arrival in so many ways, but I think we all have those moments that say, ‘Aha! This is a sure sign for me!’

We returned home from our trip to find the Chanticleer pear tree in the front yard filled with blossoms. The lawn shows patches of green, and the daffodils that had sprouted before we left are already starting to fade.

But the sure sign of spring for me this week was seeing my first tree swallow. Swallows usually arrive on their migration to our state about this time, and the tree swallow with its irridescent blue and green back, and gleaming white breast is the first of the species to arrive. On my walk yesterday, several flew about doing their impressive acrobatic twists and turns, their long pointed wings and short tails unmistakeable. 

Yet another sure sign is when the daphne shrub in our front yard comes into bloom. I usually notice its heavy, sweet fragrance before noticing its delicate pink and white flowers. The daphne shrub retains color all year long, changing to deep orange flora in the fall, and remaining green throughout the winter.

I stopped at the library on Friday to pick up a book on order. After watching Victoria on PBS, the fascinating story of her life took hold of me. I also bought a book at the library used bookstore. I’m not familiar with it, but the cover and plot description drew me in. For a couple of bucks it’s worth taking a chance on.

"Listen to the silence - it has so much to say" — Rumi

We had our first frost on Saturday night, which is about par for this time of year. The next night we woke to six inches of snow. That's too soon in my book. Bright colored leaves are still clinging to trees and the streets are filled with dried leaves that would swirl in lovely dances when the wind picked up. Now, it's all a bit soggy out there.

This morning, Dan and I got out to run a couple of errands for the first time since he's been home. Well, I've been out, he has been in the house with the exception of a couple of strolls outside. After our errands were done, we went to the donut shop and enjoyed cups of coffee and donuts, sitting in the warm sun at a high top table by the window. We consider taking a walk, but decide he's had enough for now. Maybe later this afternoon.

Yesterday, I sorted my closet, moving summer clothes to the back, bringing out the warm, winter clothes. Things I no longer wear go in a couple of bags that will be taken to the thrift store, so I haul them out to the car. Then settle in with a homemade latte.

We're enjoying these quiet days, this period of isolation. Beginning tomorrow there are doctor appointments and other things that will take us out of the house. I'm resistant to have to jump back into the busyness, but have no other choice really. I'm reminded of years ago when I went on my first silent retreat. Near the end, we were told that as we entered back into real life, with kids and families and commitments, to remember what the silence sounded like, what it felt like, and to look for it in the noise of everyday life. I'll try to carry that with me in the week ahead. 

Happy Monday,

Karen 🍂

On books ~ I am sooo close to being caught up with the War and Peace read-along. I'm loving the book and thoroughly enjoying the online discussion, although I rarely contribute. The few that do have great insights that make the experience richer for the rest of us. I got so far behind in the book in June and July. In fact, I hardly read anything at all. That's why Chesapeake is still over there on my sidebar. I can't wait to delve back into it. By the end of the week, I'll be caught up with W&P, reading just a chapter a day, which will allow me to read another book concurrently.

On last night's dinner ~ A few months ago, my brother gave me a few packages of frozen game -- bison, elk, and pheasant. It would be my first experience with pheasant. I found a recipe that called for pheasant breasts sauteed in a creamy white wine sauce with mushrooms and pancetta. Last night, I opened the package and found not the filleted breasts I was expecting, but an entire bird. Feathered and ready to roast. I carefully cut up the parts I wanted -- having boned chickens, I kept telling myself it was really no different -- and cooked it up with sides of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. Dan thought it was delicious. I couldn't get past the preparation I'd had to do, nor the fact that Dan wondered what the Bird Club would say if they knew I was eating a wild bird. I don't think I'll be cooking pheasant again anytime soon.

On blogging ~ I met Linda at A Slice of Life shortly after I started my blog in 2007. Wow, is it possible I've been tapping away at these keys for that long? Back then, blogging was a community of people who wrote about their lives and enjoyed connecting with other bloggers. I've been reflecting, along with Linda, about how blogging has changed through the years. She wrote a great post about it here. Many of the blogs I followed back then have been retired. A lot of blogs nowadays are written by social influencers who fill their pages with ads. But there are still those of us who like to blog the old-fashioned way and just share our days and our thoughts. I started my blog to connect with other stay-at-home moms, when I was one of the few in my neighborhood. You can read about that if you'd like in my first post, which is here. All this to say, that I appreciate those of you who stop by to read my ramblings, and especially those who are bloggers. I'm going to try to be better about connecting with others, because bloggers really are the nicest people 😊

Have a good week everyone.