Hello friends!
I had intended to write about something today that would require a bit of research on my part, but here we are on Sunday evening and I’ve lost my energy for that endeavor. It was one of those weeks when nothing was quite “normal.” My work schedule was different (I worked a Saturday event), and all week work was exhausting. Too many meetings that took a toll on my mental energy led to evenings of doing a lot of nothing. It’s going to be another meeting-filled week, and I hope it’s not as taxing.
And let’s not even get into the news.
Do not fear, I’m not going to spend the entire newsletter complaining. In fact, it gets much better from here. Certainly much prettier.
We are experiencing FALSE SPRING here in our neighborhood.
The temps have climbed back into the 50/40’s, well above freezing. The birds are very active, taking advantage of the warmer days to flit about and eat from the neighbor’s feeders. The neighbor mowed his lawn today, and we saw a big fuzzy bumblebee flying around! I’m a bit worried for that fella.
The plants are acting as if spring is closer than 53 days away! Or less when you read this. Michael just told me the BBC used to have a “Countdown to Spring” show to help people keep their hopes up during the dark days of winter. I totally get it.
The bulbs are starting to send their greenery up, and today I saw some of the first color. Hello little crocus!
Don’t they usually wait until February?
I noticed our first Camellia blossom today. This is the plant we were sure was going to die after the previous renter pruned the heck out of it. I’m happy to say it made a fabulous comeback and will have a lot of flowers this year.
Lovely!
I also noticed leaves emerging on our Hydrangea. Hopefully it will bloom this year.
At this rate I’ll need to start weeding soon. That’s not a bad thing, but it’s pretty soggy out there. We’ve had over five inches of rain so far this month! I am looking forward to getting back out into the yard.
Yeah, those grass clumps need to go soon. Make way for flowers!
Lest you worry that winter is speeding by too quickly, you can rest assured that some folks are letting the holiday vibes linger on.
No matter how bad the news is, or how crazy work gets, I always find happiness in the steady cycle of the seasons. Even though the timing seems off for some of the plants I am happy to see them again and the flashes of color cheer me up.
I realize that there’s plenty of winter left and we could be hit by more cold weather and snow. I hope not - February is a very busy month and I don’t have the time or energy for more weather disruptions!
Bring on real spring please.
I’m excited to report that the comment thread experiment was a smashing success! If you missed it, you can chime in any time and tell us about a book that you’re reading.
Since it was successful, watch for another in the near future. I’ll send a new one out a couple of times a month.
It was fun! Thanks to everyone who got in on the conversation.
Here now for your amusement - Rowland’s feet.
He sits weird. We call him a “man-sitter.”
And on that note - I hope you have a good week!
Tidbits
A most spectacular hand-drawn map of North America. Colored pencil and ink; a five year labor of love.
A Collection of Children’s School Notebooks from Around the World
Come be our neighbor! This interesting house is for sale not far from us. I think it’s a bit overpriced considering the work it needs… do take the photo tour, you’ll enjoy(?) it!
A friend will be staying in the Conch Shell House soon and I am a bit jealous. Our upcoming ocean vacation will not be as warm or as eccentric, but I am looking forward to it!
Do you order from Grubhub or other delivery middleman companies? Read this - and call the restaurants directly instead.
Recently eaten: Michael made Lancashire Hotpot, which we haven’t had in quite some time. It makes great camping food! I can’t wait to go camping again.
Making: I was mostly too tired to be creative this week. I’ve got plans for a crochet project. I haven’t done that for a while!
Reading: MURDERBOT, just Murderbot.
Video of the Week
There was a late entry to the question about tutorial videos, and it must be highlighted! While this is not something most of us will ever try, I think you will agree this is fascinating and mesmerizing. Also - hot air pencil. Who knew?
Drumming duck.
Question of the Week
If you feel like answering the question (or to just say hello), hit reply to this email. Answers will be shared next week - always anonymous. Don’t be shy!
What’s your favorite thing about the place where you live?
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Last week I asked what fashion trends you’d like to see make a comeback.
Grunge! I’d bring back grunge. Or did it ever leave? Regardless, bring back grungewear! I want to feel like I’m camping every day.
I do enjoy being trendy, but I don’t know that I really long for anything to come back in style. There are a couple of things I can live without, though… For instance, I’m glad we’ve seen the back of the fashion trend started by ‘90s rap group Kriss Kross.
fashion item: tube tops…
Honestly, chunky shoes for ladies again. I'm a big fan of a fat sole (like a creeper or Doc Marten), and do not like all the pointy tall boots that everyone wears now. I still wear my old Docs, because not only do they last forever with the right care, but they make me a tiny bit taller without the fear of my clumsy self twisting an ankle.
The clean shaven faces of the 80’s.
Your question this week reminded me of Laver's Law, and as I'm also reading Adolf Loos' "Why a Man Should Be Well-Dressed," I've got one or two ideas. Fashion endlessly recycles, so what I'd like to see is a total break with the past and the creation of something truly modern.
To be honest, I think I'm asking too much, so maybe everyone could dress a little better? It's all enough to make me want to adopt the manifesto of the Rational Dress Society.
As for bygone fashion trends I'd like to revive: fig leaves. ;)
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