Early Spring Flowers

We don't have a lot of early spring flowers in our yard - and they don't bloom for long...

But they give me so much pleasure... 

Probably because they are suddenly there...

... right after the snow disappears!

A miracle!

I'm particularly pleased to see that this bunch of red tulips is still perfect. Every time I pass by, I count them. Six blooms.

The flowers are often snapped off by a squirrel as soon as they bloom. But it's now day 2 and they are still intact - so I'm hopeful they may be left alone.

Terry and I admired these flowers when we were walking in a neighbourhood called "Old Ottawa South" Terry noticed a bee buzzing around even though the weather wasn't warm..

I haven't noticed bees in our neighbourhood yet. Hopefully we'll see some too!

Our Ducks are Back!

One duck family considers our neighborhood their summer home...

Every spring they arrive...

Are they looking for a new location for their nest? Or just checking out their food options?

This squirrel ran over to check them out...

Then quickly ran off ... (to tell the others)?!

Welcome back! Since you've arrived, it must be spring!

Andrew Haydon Park - With the Kids...

Last week we took our grandkids to Andrew Haydon Park.

It was their first time there.

They played on play structures their father had enjoyed as a child..

We hoped to see some pond animals ... 

Sure enough, Jericho spotted a turtle sunning  on a log.

I wonder if these black eggs in the water are future tadpoles.

So much beauty - and young life - in the park in spring.

I always love going there!

Almost Like Being There

Toronto is only a 4 hour drive away, but we haven't been there all winter.  A combination of factors held is back - including potentially bad roads and snowy weather. Terry also wasn't feeling well for several months, and didn't feel up to the drive.

Even so, we do "drop in" for a quick visit from time to time, thanks to FaceTime - an app similar to Skype. 

I notice that spring is arriving there, too: The leaves on the trees are filling in! Hope to be back soon!

Perth Maple Syrup Festival

Terry and I have a long-standing tradition of driving to Perth (Ontario) for their annual maple syrup festival.

After all, maple syrup is one of Terry's favourite foods - and he loves to sample!

Last Saturday, our family met up there. 

In spite of coolish weather ...

We all had a wonderful time!

More Memories!

Yesterday was Ivy's first "double-digit" birthday...

She turned 10!

Here are a few more memories - provided by our photo app. 

So much fun to remember!

History being made one day at a time.

Looking Back!!

Today is Ivy's 10th birthday!!

For me - and for those who were there at the beginning  - it's a time of looking back and MARVELING at all the changes we've seen... in what seems to be such a short time - in the big picture...

But, of course, for her, it's been a LIFETIME!

Here we are on May 7, 2016. I'm holding this precious baby for the first time. She's one week old!

(Do we all look younger?!)

And here are more "portraits over the years," as chosen by my photo app...

Such great memories for us all!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! You've added so much to our lives!

 🎉    🎂    🎈