The Years To Remember

The crocus survived the ice storm and s l o w l y spring seems to be happening. Planting all the bulbs last fall was so successful, that I'm going to buy some stakes to mark the next planting spots. I'm trying to figure out my next steps in life and not doing very well, as in I don't know where I'd like to direct my attentions. It seems morbid, but if I imagine I only have a year left to live, and think what I'd like to do in that year, that should lead me to my next step, right? In the meanwhile, I went to have my stitches removed on Monday, then met AJ for a hike at the usual Vischer's Ferry Preserve all the way to the dam. It was a nice 6.5 mile walk on a very spring like day. My scar still looks pretty rough, but like last time, a week or so more should improve things quite a bit. The dam at the far end of the towpath. While I was out walking, the garage door guy called and wanted to install the new door the next day.  The old door was original to the house

 Monday 3/25/24 It's the second day after the storm, and the trees are still encased in ice making for a very pretty walk yesterday. Sparkly sunrise. The deer tracks in the yard show they were visiting last night. Sparkly garden. The deer were desperate to get something to eat last night! The lake didn't freeze though. The sound track was the tinkling of ice as it was falling from the trees, cracking of branches in the woods as they finally gave way to the heavy burden. The birds were trying to find food in the places not iced over, poor things. Temperatures will rise to 50+ today, so that will be the end of the ice. Now I can peruse the garage doors in the pamphlet left by the guy putting in my new door. And distract me from worrying about the surgery this afternoon. Tuesday 3/26/24 The surgery was a bit easier this time since I knew what to expect especially since it was on the other side of my face in almost the exact same position. So eating is a challenge as I want to mini

 Well that escalated quickly. We were supposed to end the day of mixed precipitation with an inch of snow. Instead, we got a quarter inch of ice covering every surface, then 6 - 8 inches of snow on top of that. I did not go to the concert because a state of emergency was declared in my county, and I had no intention in driving in a whiteout snowstorm, new tires or not. The temperatures for the next two days are going to be the coldest all winter, excuse me, spring. It is spring, right? The ice coating was sparkling and pretty. I guess I'll be shoveling the driveway tomorrow morning! Note my neighbors tree bent over from the weight of ice and snow in the background.  I have two in my front yard in danger of breaking under the weight as well.

 Saturday 3/23/24 This cartoon is appropriate and mirrors the situation in my garden perfectly: The first day of spring has come and gone and this is what my garden looks like this morning. The daffodils will be okay, but I'm afraid the crocus are done for. Luckily there are some groupings of crocus that have not flowered yet. Behind these daffodils is the one clump of tulips I have. They were planted 30 yrs ago and amaze me by flowering each year (when they are able to avoid the deer). I have high hopes for them this year and have sprayed them with Deer Away since they emerged. I went to the Flower and Garden Show yesterday to give my soul a lift and look at the gardens that local companies put on display. I was left underwhelmed. In years past, the displays were themed, creative and inspiring. As with most companies, they have devolved into sales pitches and left the creativity out. Nevertheless, I basked in the flowers, the ideas that presented themselves, and a bit of inspirati

Some of the early daffodils (Peeping Tom) and crocus are happy for the early warmth.   Thursday 3/14/24 The second bike ride in as many days is in the books. Yesterday I needed to pick up some books from the library and I really hate to jump in the car for such a short trip. Instead, I found a light back pack type bag and hopped on my bike for a 10 mile round trip into town to pick up the books. Wouldn't you know they were three very heavy books so my ride home was an enhanced workout. Today I met Amyjean for a ride on the Mohawk bike path down to Cohoes and the falls. Two sunny days in the 60's has everyone out enjoying our early spring. We covered 20 miles, stopped for banana bread muffins and a photo shoot at the falls. They are not Niagara Falls, but they are impressive when raging like they were today. I think this is a mink I spied running on the hydropower works. The spring runoff is in full force. Friday 3/15/24 Today was all about getting the crown installed on my toot

3/11/24 Monday The crocus have emerged. I've been back home for 10 days, and I have been taking things very slowly to get my equilibrium back, both literally and metaphorically! I have been in low spirits as I worry about getting my tooth crowned - yet again, and my skin biopsy came back positive for basal cell carcinoma - again. So this month I am getting those taken care of - including another Moh's surgery on the 25th with a week of recovery. The only positive  aspect of that is, it is a mirror image of the last spot, so there will be some symmetry to the scars on my face.😏 My Dad's Steuben apple (I think he got it as a Corning Glass employee anniversary gift) now in a place of honor in my house. I decided to put it under more glass on a marble stand because I love my bell jar. Mom's estate is quickly getting settled and my siblings are calming down their emotions over it all. I only took a few things from the house since my mother's style was very different fro