Spring is almost here

For those of you who only come for the pictures, (Catherine) here's a cute one to tide you over:

READ THIS.  I couldn't have said it better myself! Click to enlarge.

*************

Several things are happening at the Campbell Casa. We have multiple Spring projects in the works, but none are that close to being finished. The list includes:

paint porch (we've prepped and bought supplies, now we just have to do it)

paint new decorative kitchen shelves and install (they're primed, at least)

paint bathroom sink (a 5 day process)

dig up rocks from ill-considered temporary back patio and replace with bulbs to make a cutting garden

pick out and plant foundation shrubs in front bed

mulch front beds

multiple vegetable garden activities

TAXES!

My personal list:

make large blackboard for kitchen wall

spray paint wicker porch furniture

make cushions/pillows for porch furniture (this involves learning how to sew)

paint front door

paint front stoop railing

do something about the laundry room

repair ripped cushion on living room chair (this cushion tore about 3 months ago. sad.)

Oh! And raise a child.

************

It's still cold here, and that's impeding our process somewhat. I really hate this time of year, but who doesn't? I remember years ago during my first appointment with a psychiatrist about my performance anxiety, he was asking me several questions about various things and we had a conversation that went something like this:

so, would you say you have some depression?

um, no. well, maybe...I guess

about how often?

um, not that often. maybe every couple of months. actually, probably less

Could you tell me specific times?

.......long silence.......

I guess, like, the end of February and the end of August.

mmmhmmm

I think I just get soooo impatient about the arrival of Spring that I drive myself crazy. The same thing happens during the transition from Summer to Fall. I just want it to be 70 degrees already!

************

Here's a funny anecdote. Our next door neighbors, Elmer and Mary Lou, watch Benjamin every once in a while. The other day I had a hair appointment so I left Ben with them for a couple of hours. When I came by to pick him up they were SOOOOO excited and dragged me into the living room. "Look at this! Look how smart he is!" I watched as Benjamin reached up to their coffee table where they have a glass urn filled with walnuts, stuck his hand in the jar (almost tipping it over), grabbed a couple of nuts, then threw them on the ground. "He knew! He knew right away there was something in that jar, and he went straight for it!" 

Ummm, ok. I mean, I think my child is pretty smart, but Elmer and Mary Lou think he's Einstein and Mozart in a pint-sized package. I didn't want to let them down, but a 10 month old getting into things he shouldn't is nothing new! However, they also told me he stood by himself several times while he was there (I haven't seen that yet, to take it with a grain of salt) and waved bye-bye. Now, Benjamin has waved bye-bye before, so I wasn't that surprised, but I was astounded when we were at the door leaving and he flapped his arm back and forth and said "buh buh." !!!! Again.....I haven't heard him do it since, so......Maybe Elmer and Mary Lou have some sort of influence he's missing at our house!

Gotta go. I have to squeeze in a shower before my little genius wakes up from his morning nap!