Wednesday

Several things stand out for me today: first of all, we're feeling the effects of something called the Pneumonia Front. Doesn't that just sound sick? It's a rare meteorological event that happens to communities proximate to Lake Michigan, where the temps suddenly drop very very quickly. We are not exactly proximate to Lake Michigan (about 100 miles away), but I think we're getting swept up in the cool air because it is very chilly out there (even as it was warm yesterday and will be warm again tomorrow).

Secondly, Snowdrop is fine, but other members of her family are now sick so we have some afternoon shuffling to do, especially since this is the day of the girl's end of year school concert. Managing all this will require major afternoon adjustments.

Thirdly, I talked to my docs about the Issue of the Stiff Knee at night -- something that keeps me up for more hours than I care to admit and their advice was -- either get back on drugs or get up and walk. Yes, in the middle of the night. Yes it helps! I told Ed that he is doomed to hear shuffling of ghosts and goblins in the middle of the night again. Scraping and scratching, grunting and creaking. 

Fourthly, I'm almost completely caught up with my spring gardening work.  I have a couple of sweet peas and a bean left. True, there's the seeding of the new meadows still before us and poor Ed will have to plant most of the baby tomatoes because I cannot stay low to the ground for long, but still, I am pleased with how everything in the end did come together for us this spring!

Fifthly, I bake a rhubarb cake for breakfast this morning. It's not that I especially feel energetic for this, but we have a rhubarb overload. We'll have to set up our roadside stand (free rhubarb!). This plant is out of control, covering everything else in sight. So, I take down some stalks and bake.

Breakfast is a little late.

Outside, we're entering the "green phase" of spring. At this time, we'll get the peonies and irises, but otherwise, the beds thrive and get big, but they do stay green. Once the tulips fade and the lilac is done, things quiet down out there. The next big wave of color wont come until the end of June.

(the first Clematis...)

Okay, Snowdrop pick up time. To the farmhouse!

A quick read, lots of food to give her strength and then we go to pick up Sparrow,  the one un-sick brother, and drive over to her school for the end of the year school concert.

And to her joy, Sandpiper is fever free and able to attend as well. A last minute surprise.

Both brothers are a great cheering squad... for her singing...

And for her special xylophone group.

Afterwards, they go home, I go home. Ed is biking. I listen to the birds tonight: Chipping Sparrow, American Goldfinch, our resident Northern Cardinal.

Such a good way to end a helter skelter day! Exhale and smile...