the view from here

When we returned from our five days away on Sunday night,

we returned to a yard largely free of snow.

All that remained were some small piles here and there.

The temperatures were mild.

And all week the kids have been happily biking around the yard,
and enjoying picnic lunches outside,
and watching the University's softball team practice
in the field on the other side of our house.

Without jackets.

Until yesterday.

Yesterday, they came in after a few minutes outside.
They put on their coats and hats and mittens before heading back out.

This morning, this is what we woke up to.


*sigh*

And it's still snowing.

If we stay in North Dakota,
I may have to budget in a yearly winter escape somewhere south
in order to survive.

Another good reason to keep my job.

*sigh*

Happy spring.

Or not.

Along the Road

I spent the first half of my day today 

working on an appeal of a marriage nullity case to Rome.

I spent the second half of my day 

working on plans for the new school year.

By dinner time I was fried. 

completely. 

fried.

After dinner, I took The Baby down the road to get our mail.

While I lament not having a garden again this year, 

I am thoroughly enjoying the wild prairie that grows along our road --

hearing the grasses rustling in the wind,

smelling the warm pines,

taking in the colors -- bright red and deep green,

sunny orange and emerald.

I love the daisies,

and the thistles,

in varying stages of bloom,

and, oh, the sunflowers!

The Baby enjoyed her explorations too -- 

feeling the warm sun,

touching the grasses

and flowers,

And I enjoyed my daughter's wonder, and her antics.

Along the road, I am renewed.

I am ready for bed.

I am ready for tomorrow.