Footloose

Thinking about the joys of a road trip got me thinking about other things I miss thanks to the pandemic.

High on that list are the joys of a pedicure.

Nail salons have been shut down since stay-at-home orders went into effect in mid-March.  My last pedicure was March 8.

Yes, I am counting.

As New Jersey begins staged re-opening, nail salons are expected to re-open later this month.  My raggedy feet and I cannot wait.  I have missed the treat that is the smooth feel of pumiced feet and shiny, polished toenails.  I know it’s a small thing.  I know that staying home was more important than my toe nails.  But, damn, I am beyond ready for a pedicure.  

Spring is Coming

Every year, no matter how much I long for it, Spring comes on slowly.  As the morning chill starts to feel thin, there is expectancy in the air.  It’s a signal that reminds me to pay attention to the changes that have begun to emerge.  They are subtle, but still there, patiently waiting for me to notice.  Well before it brings warm breezes or blooms, the crocuses and daffodils peak through the soil, often to shake off a late round of snow, but growing nonetheless.  After cold months of stark forests and dull gardens, color begins to emerge.  These subtle changes can be found everywhere and I look for them eagerly, with my nose turned toward the sunlight as the days lengthen.  Then, something splendid emerges and I enjoy the surprise of the blooms.  Such is the case with these daffodils that are cheering up my shaded front yard.

Right next door, my peony has also begun to emerge.

There is much more to come of course, and that is the true joy of Spring, which starts slow but predictably results in a riot of abundant color and blooms.  I love the way the season builds anticipation and rewards my patience.

Front Yard Flowers on Monday: Week 1

Since late December, I’ve devoted each Tuesday to a post about my amaryllis.  Last wee, in it's ninth week, it bloomed two splendid flowers and so our amaryllis Tuesdays are complete.  

Anticipating flowers is one of those activities that brings me hope and happiness on a daily basis.  There are bulbs peeking a green tip through the cold soil in my front yard flowerbed.  Perhaps they've taken a cue from the amaryllis?  I’ll replace my weekly appreciation of the amaryllis with a weekly appreciation of the daffodil and tulip bulbs in my front yard.

There’s still plenty of waiting to be done, but the signs of Spring flowers are already present amongst the ivy in my front flowerbed.

That’s happy!