When morning breaks…

One of my favorite songs is Cat Stevens’ “Morning has broken.” There is something so peaceful and hopeful about that song. The idea that morning breaks as a new day, unfettered by the day before and that the grass is new and the birds have the resilience to sing again reminds me that every dayContinue reading “When morning breaks…”

A year without a garden?

We talked about the nearly unthinkable last night: not having a garden next year. And while it seems like a shame and a rejection of our general lifestyle to go garden-less, even for one season, the appeal is not lost on either of us. More than that, when you think about it, it can beContinue reading “A year without a garden?”

Stuck together like glue…

So, it’s been a week. In fact, it feels like six and not just one. We occasionally saw an ant or two in the house this spring. Nothing big, just one every few days. But just one is a problem, honestly. Plus, we were seeing them in an unusual place. Not the kitchen or bathrooms.Continue reading “Stuck together like glue…”

Our porch(es) of indecision…

For the Jimmy Buffett fans out there, there is a place in Margaritaville just for us: the Porch of Indecision. And yet, out here in the rural wilds of WNY, there is another porch of indecision. It is uniquely ours. This spring as we get ready to replace our large back deck, we built theContinue reading “Our porch(es) of indecision…”

When the storm runs out of rain…

Yesterday was supposed to be a doozy and in several ways it was. While the storm – complete with tornado warnings – did not materialize, the day turned out to be momentous in its own ways. Finally, our rhetorical storm ran out of rain. For the past 11 years, we have been chasing our tailsContinue reading “When the storm runs out of rain…”

Spring’s first breath…

Today dawned with some filtered sunshine almost a full hour earlier than those darkest days of winter. This week, we will have four days in the 40s. In the long-range forecast, we begin that period of vacillation. Up into the 40s and near 50 one day, down into the mid-20s the next. What is inescapable?Continue reading “Spring’s first breath…”

Pina coladas, snow and escapes…

So, I don’t really like Pina Coladas. They’re a little too sweet and too full of calories for me. Offer me a margarita and I forget all about the calories. I’m not a big fan of getting caught in the rain, but getting caught in the snow is the pits. And I’ve planned my escape.Continue reading “Pina coladas, snow and escapes…”

30 days.

It is exactly 30 days until Daylight Savings Time. It’s also 41 days until spring and officially less than six weeks to go. This year? It feels like I’m going to barely make it. The day-to-day isn’t so bad but the constant snow cover, cold temperatures and lack of sunshine are draining. There are soContinue reading “30 days.”

Morning sunshine and smart decisions

It’s been very dark here… it’s felt like no sun for days. Honestly, I don’t think I could live anywhere more dark or cloudy. It makes winter very tough and this year has been one of the toughest in years. My proof point? Lake Erie hasn’t frozen over in about a decade. This year, itContinue reading “Morning sunshine and smart decisions”