Many discouraging moments can be brushed away with the simple statement: it could be so much worse! So please do not take seriously my grumbling about gray skies. Not only could it be worse, but, too, the predicted rains have flirted with us, often holding off during the hours I am with Snowdrop. The girl loves our time outside and the weather gods have been kind in allowing us long moments of outdoor play.
Still, I wake up to gray skies.
There is a tantalizing moment of partly blue up there... Here, take a look at the streaks of sunshine! So rare these days!

One more photo -- early morning, of our beloved farmhouse...

That's it. The clouds take over.
We eat breakfast in the unsunny sunroom.

Later in the day, I pick up Snowdrop. We have a surprise for her: mommy is with us!
The girl is one big happy grin.

We start our neighborhood walk, admiring the colors, the tall trees...

But then the rain comes down and it comes down hard. No matter! It's a perfect time to play pretend games inside the car!

... and then to come home and yes, you guessed it -- read books.

And do giant puzzles of dancing girls...

And to imitate those dancing girls...

Once again, Snowdrop's smile is our own.
Still, I wake up to gray skies.
There is a tantalizing moment of partly blue up there... Here, take a look at the streaks of sunshine! So rare these days!

One more photo -- early morning, of our beloved farmhouse...

That's it. The clouds take over.
We eat breakfast in the unsunny sunroom.

Later in the day, I pick up Snowdrop. We have a surprise for her: mommy is with us!
The girl is one big happy grin.

We start our neighborhood walk, admiring the colors, the tall trees...

But then the rain comes down and it comes down hard. No matter! It's a perfect time to play pretend games inside the car!

... and then to come home and yes, you guessed it -- read books.

And do giant puzzles of dancing girls...

And to imitate those dancing girls...

Once again, Snowdrop's smile is our own.