Spring flowers haven't arrived outdoors yet... But indoors my one orchid plant is still blooming...
The succulents my daughter started for me look cheerful in a south-facing window. But there are no flowers.
Nearby my two amaryllis bulbs are sprouting stems...
But so far, no flowers...
I look forward to soon seeing flowers blooming outdoors, all spring and summer long!
March 21 is sometimes called the "first day of spring."
In school, we were taught that it was the date of the "spring equinox" - when those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere had equal hours of daylight and darkness.
Since I began watching, not only the skies - but also my weather app - I see that equinox, here in Ottawa, arrives earlier than that: around March 17 (St. Patrick's Day) when we had 11 hours and 59 minutes of daylight.
Or we could choose the following day, March 18, when we had 12 hours and 2 minutes of daylight.
Whichever day we choose this year, our first day of spring saw lots of snow on the ground!
Changes are happening at the mall as some stores close and others open.
One that recently opened is this cafe and bakery that I recognize from another location near where my daughter used to live...
Don't need to see a bakery on my rounds! I'll find it very tempting!
We used to buy sour dough bread at their other location - but I didn't notice any here. Maybe it will appear in future days.
The weather outside is still cold and icy here in Canada - but, in contrast, I'm enjoying the tropical ocean views I'm encountering on my 2024 km virtual trek in Vietnam.
I'm a little over 40 % of the way done my coastal trek! It's going quickly!
I'm enjoying the street view scenery...
Also the lush vegetation seen on the satellite images of the area.
I never knew what the scenery was like in Vietnam - so this challenge is an interesting learning experience - as usual!
(Yes, the snow is back!)
There are a number of ski hills in our region - both in Ontario and Quebec.
As "Spring Break" approached every March, teachers I worked with would share information about which ski hills still had great spring skiing. I assume milder spring weather was the selling point here...
("Night skiing" was another term they bantered around - but I have no idea what the attraction of that would be - unless presumably one could go after work.)
On snowy spring days like yesterday, I think of former colleagues like Dave - who loved to ski. They could well be EXCITED about all the snow that is covering our driveway again. (Groan - more shovelling!)
In fact, he and his wife - also a teacher - are probably out there right now - "spring skiing"!
A grey one...
And a blue one - with pockets.
Each was made from two knit rectangles - about 32" by 43" - sewn together down the back.
Then halfway down each side, to make sleeves. Such a simple concept!
Later online, I came across a different garment, also made of two rectangles. A poncho - made by sewing two slightly larger rectangles together just across each shoulder, leaving an opening for the head.
For those of us who like loose-fitting clothing, these simple designs make comfortable cover-ups for extra warmth.
