so what dont you like about spring?

Each and every season brings with it some things, predictable things, that make you roll your eyes, shake your head and hold your nose. So, after all my rhapsodizing about the coming of this season, let me turn to spring's shortcomings. No, no, I'm not going to gripe about the weather. For one thing it is quite pleasant, but even if it wasn't, we know spring is always finicky, sometimes cold, sometimes wet. If you want something else, you need to move out of south central Wisconsin, because sometimes cold, sometimes wet is what we have here and frankly, unless it gets extreme, this is what the growing season needs.

Okay, but spring's yukky moments -- let's get back to those. What am I thinking of? 

Well, one spring ritual is the tracking of ants. They want to form homesteads, preferably in our house. April is the time when they march right in and search out the food sources for their ant villages. Some of the ants are so small that you dont really notice them. Until you sit down to breakfast and open the jar of honey and find a whole bunch of them swimming in goo. You have to be vigilant and discourage these guys from setting up shop right in your food pantry. So today we vacuum and I clean out the honey jar and still I track down a handful of those little buggers -- underneath the place-mat. This will continue for the month. Eventually they will go away, but for now, it's us against them.

Then there is the porch. As you may have noticed, we have screens on three sides. The porch is also a resting place to 4 cats (though never at the same time as they are not exactly best buds). This means that during the cold season -- late autumn, all of winter, early spring -- every rain shower hitting the ground on the outside, every ramble of a cat, every gust of wind, is going to bring in dirt. Before we can even think about taking a meal outside, that porch has to be scrubbed, wiped down, vacuumed -- all of it. With buckets of soapy water, a powerful vacuum cleaner and not a small amount of stamina. Hateful task, but it has to be done and I set out to do that today. 

Okay -- those are spring woes, far outnumbered by spring treasures. [Looking ahead, I can list summer woes -- mosquitoes, for sure, and over-air-conditioned interiors. Fall woes? Wasps and yellow jackets, and the frost that wipes out all your annuals. Annoying!] 

Ah, but those spring treasures! Let's start with the morning exploration of the garden...

Breakfast? Still inside. Mornings are nippy and the porch is still dirty.

And then comes the ridiculously tedious porch cleaning. Ed asks -- can I help? But the offer comes too late and besides, I am too hell bent on being the martyr here, so I persevere alone.

Okay, good enough. Not that you can tell by glancing outside. Until the arrival of the annuals, the porch always looks rather naked. But at least it is reasonably grime-free.

And wouldn't you know it -- it's time to pick up the kids.

All those daffodils! What's not to like?? Oh, right. Porch cleaning. Ants in the house. And the kids would probably add -- the ladybug-like beetles! I must pick several dozen each day off the windows. Inside. And we have very tight windows. And still, they come in somehow. 

But let's end on a positive note. Look what's starting to bloom for us! Virginia Bluebells! To go with the blueberry muffins I baked today. April blues, of the good kind!

with love...

chasing the sun

When your workable outdoor space is increasing its shade quotient and you still insist on planting sun loving flowers, you have to improvise. Yesterday, we created a bed extension in the courtyard. The sunny courtyard. Today, I dug away at the ground cover in one bed that still has pockets of strong sunshine. I can do better than ground cover! I moved the stuff over to a shady spot and prepared the spot for maybe six new flowering plants. And I weeded one of the troubled beds -- the one by the driveway. All in the warmth of a beautiful spring day!

Of course, first came the morning stuff which these days always begins with my long gaze at the flower fields. Especially the one that I planted with daffodils last fall. A total success! The flowers are big and beautiful.

And I drove to the bakery to pick up cookies for Sparrow and croissants for us all. Oh, those bakery smells! Intoxicating!

And Ed and I sat down to breakfast.

 

 

One topic that has been on my mind (but not on his!) is how we go forward as we age. Will I move? Will he? Will we both grow old here? Who can tell! The imponderables of life. Still, I feel we need to have some strategy to tackle problems before they arise and we do spend a considerable amount of time on weighing our options. Did we come to any conclusions? Yes! ...that we need to work out some strategies!

When you are done with college or professional school or technical training you still have many divergent paths before you and you have that early life insecurity of not knowing where you will be five years down the road. Alone? With a partner? East coast? West coast? City? Country? Planning for a family? Still seeking satisfactory employment? Very few of us map out with any precision the path forward. We leave so much to chance, we keep doors open. At least that's what I did. Sure, by mid twenties I had a vague plan and by age 28 I was married, pregnant and applying to law school in the place where I lived. So things stabilized pretty quickly for me. And yet there were major shifts still to come. All the way until retirement.

It is really a bit of a surprise now to realize that the uncertainty of your early twenties is nothing compared to the uncertainty of post retirement. So much of what you do with those years depends on your health outcomes and those of your partner if there is (still?) such a person! And on your capacity to do things you've wanted to do. Your daily life can do an about face with one diagnosis, one heart attack, one kick from some external force. Your options then are set by how well prepared you are for this. I truly believe you are better off with your bases covered. And so this morning, Ed and I talked about covering those bases.

And then it's back to garden work which, I hope, will be with me til the day I die.

 

In the afternoon I'm back to picking up the two older grandkids.

 

It's such a gorgeous day that you'd think they'd want to just revel in its loveliness. But no, the twosome are in love with their routines. Or -- tired. Or both! A brief saunter to the crab apple tree (and now I have two climbers!)...

Then inside we go.

 

And late in the day Ed is back to doing his weekly bike ride. Me, I keep the porch door wide open. To let spring seep into the house and fill every nook and corner with her freshness and sweet scent of evening air.

eyes on the prize

Last night Ed came up with a terrific and sweet idea. Knowing that I feel despondent at all the shade that's taking over my Big Bed of flowers, he suggested that we move the picnic table to the side, which would allow for the extension of the Big Bed -- one that would remain sunny for the requisite six hours each day. The picnic table is never used for picnics. It's a work station for him (mechanical stuff) and a work station for me (gardening stuff) and sometimes it is a place where we pause, sit down and take stock of all that's around us. You have to understand that my flowers are visible from the courtyard and really only from the courtyard of the farmette. So it is vital to make that courtyard a place where you can do your work, but, too, where you can soak in the wonders of the growing season.

We implemented his idea this morning. And it is one glorious morning!

 

After breakfast, of course. We had leftover treats from Chicago's Daisy and they are so very delicious that even Ed couldn't resist them.

We get to work then. It's a major overhaul for us. We have heavy stumps that framed the table, and we have flower bins that now need a new placement, and, too, we have old strawberries in containers that require some thought as to their future. And the visuals! They will be completely different now! You can't really appreciate this until I fill the tubs with annuals, but the courtyard will now be along these lines.

Wait, we revamped it even more. Ed brought in some stones from the stockpile of dug-out boulders and we created a two-tiered bed. 

 

I'm glad I ordered some more lilies online! I have a new space to fill! And maybe, just maybe, I'll be more careful in what I place in this very visible extension.

 

We go inside for a quick rest. Ed brings up a a video from the NY Times and we watch it and I marvel at how absolutely Polish it is! A perfect capture of a border dispute! But of a less heated one. You'll understand the pun if you watch it.

 

And out again. We dig up the ground cover that abutted the picnic table and I replant it by the sheep shed. And the sun keeps going strong so that we are down to our shirts and even that feels like it's too much.

 

 

Working alongside Ed is right up there for me. As good as Paris! Perhaps better. The fields around the courtyard are my domain and he let's me have the final word on all of it, but the fact is, he is a design guy and making things work together in an integrated fashion is his lifelong passion and skill. He sometimes has a bad gardening idea, but not very often.

 

Okay. We do need to stop in the early afternoon. No, I don't have the kids today. I have eye surgery instead. Did you know that cataracts can come back for a second run? Yes they can! Out they come once more. An easy peasy laser thing. I'm home by late afternoon.

 

For the rest of the day I review all the perennials I ordered back in January. I feel the loss of our own local perennial farm -- the Flower Factory, but I have to say, there are so many places that will pack up your loot and mail it to you these days that I can hardly mind. And, of course, there are the annuals still to be purchased. Hey, did you know that Kopke's Greenhouses open their doors on April 18th? That's nine days from now! How did it suddenly become spring?! (I ask this in total wonderment every single year... The seasons do change. And we are all the better for it.)

Chicago eclipse

On the one hand, you think -- it's just a moon passing in front. It gets a little shadier for a bit. Like on a very stormy day maybe? What's the big deal? 

On the other hand, it's an event that happens rarely. I wont see the next one. So... shouldn't I make an effort to pay attention now? 

My last 94% eclipse happened on a morning when I knew little about it and prepared not at all. March 21st, 2015. I was in Cornwall. In England. I posted rough pics of it, which in itself was insane because such an event can mess with your camera big time. And of course, your eyes, though I honestly think you have to have a clear day and stare for a while to get blinded, but why mess with fate when viewing glasses are cheap or free at your local library? I had none, so I peeked, but did not stare.

And now here I am in Chicago still, and it is a clear and sunny day and the eclipse in this city promises a  94% covering of the sun. Same as Cornwall! Except this time I'm sort of prepared. But, too, I am to babysit Primrose who has spring break from school. We'll be together  Should I make a big time event of it? The Museum of Science and Industry is all ready for a public viewing. Should we drive down there? Or at least downtown? Is it worth it, from a 6 year old's point of view?

Let's roll with the events of the day and see where they land us.

First of all, I have to say good bye to Juniper, who is off to school early in the day. Here's one last pic of the two girls, together:

Sweet, good, loving kids. Both of them.

Okay. Dad is off at work, mom, too, is busy with her job obligations. It's me and the big girl.

There's lots of play. She keeps me so busy that I never even have a minute to pick up the camera. Late in the morning we pause to go out to an art supply store. Equipment for further play!

The plan is to pause at midday and pull mom out to lunch with us. At Daisy's. Mom, are you ready? Let's go!

Daisy's is the perfect place for a midday meal -- yes, good sandwiches, salads, etc, but also and perhaps more importantly from my perspective -- great baked goods! I am a fan of midday treats!

Primrose and I then return to our play station. We're building a craft project. You could say that I am a terrible crafts person -- I haven't the patience for small tabs and even smaller cuttings, nor the imagination for truly original ideas. Still, Primrose chose one where you build, with the help of glue and tabs, a mini cardboard camper. Who am I to say no to this?! We set to it, cheating occasionally by pulling out the scotch tape. And very quickly it is 1:30 and mom comes out of her work enclave and says -- let's go see the eclipse!

We are off!

And it becomes instantly clear that the best place to see this fantastic astronomical wonder is right here in the neighborhood. In fact, you need only step outside and look up...

It's all there, nearing the magic Chicagoland 94%.

(We almost don't notice the incredible luck of having blue skies above on this suddenly warm spring day!)

We go to a nearby park, one that has other neighborhood locals there as well. And a high school class from a public school. And lovers and nannies with strollers and dog walkers and grandmas too. It's a shared experience and a joyous one, because everyone is so happy to be out on this suddenly warm, brilliant day, doing this unique thing that brings such awe to us all.

I hope you had a chance to glance up at the skies today. And if you did, I hope you were outside with others, because awe is contagious. As is joy. And an appreciation for the magnificence of our universe.

I do have to leave shortly after. I want to get home before dark. As always, it's tough to leave this beloved foursome. I wiggle into their routines, I eat, play, laugh, craft cardboard trailers, and watch a moon pass in front of a sun, and then I'm out and driving home. I suppose I need this time to let go and adjust. And feel grateful that they are, when the traffic is good, a mere 2.25 hours away. 

With love, so much love...

Chicago!

With kids, you do well if you know how to pivot when the moment calls for it. You make plans, but a child may have her own ideas. Or, she may suddenly need care and boom! Your plans must change. To find joy in a new path -- that's your challenge, and if you make an adjustment, and if you still keep that happy momentum going -- the day will turn out just fine. More than just fine, in fact. Beautiful.

This morning, I wake up to find Primrose a little under the weather. Enough so that we need to adjust. As she catches up to her energy levels, I focus in on her sister, whose energy levels are super charged!

 

Breakfast, with Juniper. And newspaper reading with dad.

Kids bounce. One minute they need to rest, another minute they're up and running.

Still, we shift plans. Parents are off with older girl for a doc visit and errands. Juniper and I play, which always involves music and dance.

And with a pretty clear bill of health, we jump back onto our initial goal -- of going to lunch at Time Out. You, the traveler of yore, may recognize Time Out as a big name in the travel guide business. Well now. They've branched out. Chicago (and Lisbon, I hear) has a food court that's under their sponsorship and it is excellent! I choose Ethiopian cuisine. Others spread themselves out between the continents. Asia, Africa, Texas. It's all there. 

(feeling better?)

Great foods push me to eat a big lunch, even when normally I resist. 

 

(happy post-lunch crew)

 

 

Filled with good food we make our way back to the car.

I'm dropped off at the neighborhood grocery store to pick up a thing or two, the rest proceed home for naps, other errands, and eventually we're all home and my daughter brings out the rolling pin (figuratively speaking) and sets to work making Madelines. 

It's raining outside. Milky coffee and Madelines on a rainy day? The best!

Dinner is also at home. My girl cooks for us all and she is one wonderful cook.

And so ends my second day here. With a massive degree of contentment. And love...

to Chicago

I swear, I'll settle down for the rest of the month. Indeed, I wont leave Wisconsin again until summer! Well, right about then. But today, I need to drive south. To Chicago. I haven't seen my five year old granddaughter since she turned six! Nor her sister, who is still a precocious two year old!

It's a rushed morning. I didn't have the wherewithal to get ready earlier in the week, and so I do it now. Nonetheless, there is always time to take in what is just outside the farmhouse door.

 

 

And the birdsong! I spotted and/or heard the following, in just a two minute period:  Downy Woodpecker, American Robin, Red-winged Blackbird, Song Sparrow, Blue Jay, American Crow, a Fox Sparrow (a first for me!), and a Dark-eyed Junco! And somewhere in the distance I heard the mating call of a Sandhill Crane. It's loud out there in spring!

I have breakfast with Ed...

And I head out, hoping to beat the traffic that pours into Chicago in increasing numbers as the day progresses.

It is so good to see the younger family again!

I wasn't here for Primrose's birthday, so we celebrate it today! Juniper helps.

The afternoon is all play and talk. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And very quickly the time rolls to evening.

We drive down to Chicago's Little Italy for dinner. You have to picture this: weaving our way at the periphery of the downtown, we have the last bits of sunlight to the west and the sharp outlines of Chicago's skyline to the east. A stunning city scape. Perhaps I should have used my camera more, but I was too busy listening to my grandgirls singing along to the music on the radio.

We eat at the Peanut Park Trattoria.

 

 

 

Purely Italian food. So good that everyone ate everything! 

 

 

We aren't the only "larger family" there. Aunts, grandparents, children, parents. Large tables for large families. Together. Loving the moment. 

At home again, the kids go to sleep, I stay up and review all that has accumulated over the months -- thoughts, ideas, questions -- it's the perfect evening for it. My kids are wise and getting input from them always helps me plan for the future. 

And yes, I'm ready to crash soon after the youngest kids doze off, but before the older kids, my girl and her husband give it up for the day. Funny how at a certain age your bedtime gets awfully close to that of a kindergartner! 

How good it is to be with these guys for these few April days! With so much love...