Monday, March 22, 2010

It's finally Spring!

I'm enjoying my first 'official' storm of Spring. Lightning and thunder... means there is warm air in the atmosphere. Yeah! I've been in my upper-floor apartment for just over 8 years, and the excitement of being up in the midst of the lightning hasn't yet waned.

My fingers have been busy with tissues for the last three weeks, trying to stem the output of a cold. It may have morphed into the usual reaction to Spring allergens in the air, but that's okay... (did I mention it's Spring?). After the Winter season we've had, the sniffles and swollen eyes almost seem to be benefits.

Easter is on the way in a couple of weeks. Another harbinger of the wonderful season that's come. I harbor no illusions... Winter has been known to sneak back in and smack us up side the head. That's okay... Spring will win out in the end.

Happy Spring!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Weekends have been a study in contrasts

The past two weekends have spanned the spectrum of experiences for me...

Two weekends ago, feeling under the weather, I spent the entire time in my pajamas (or a reasonable facsimile) getting funkier as the days passed. Finally took a shower and dressed in clothes suitable for public viewing on Monday.

Last weekend my oldest daughter came into town sans younger children. She stayed with me and we had a Saturday to wander as we would. Had a wonderful brunch, then went to a fantastic store owned by a former classmate of my daughter. The store, Anthill Antiques on Cary Street here in Richmond, is full of jewelry collected by the owner. She is also a gifted artist and creates lovely necklaces from 'found' pieces. The reunion was warm and extended to me as I discovered that I knew the owner's mother (she works in the store). We realized that we (all of us, mothers and daughters) had worked at the same (now defunct) business together. Met more of my family for dinner on Saturday evening. On Sunday, my oldest grandchild arrived and we all had breakfast. On to my son's home were I had all my children and grandchildren together for the first time in over a year. What a joy to see and be with them all again! I intend to spend as much time as I can with all of them, as often as I can. They'll just have to live with it. After all, it won't be forever.

Had been waiting for an important piece of snail mail that was supposed to arrive by Feb 27th. I gave it a week extra because of the snow storm problems. Called them yesterday morning to request the mailing. They assured me it had been posted but promised to get another in the mail asap. I arrived home late yesterday evening after attending a meeting. About ten minutes later, I passed my front door and noticed a piece of mail had been slipped under the door. You guessed it... the letter I had been waiting for. It was postmarked Feb 25. Welcome to my world.