I'm working on a new crocheted sweater for myself.
One of the reasons I'm excited about it is that the creator of the pattern is a young woman from Ontario.
I didn't realize that until I bought the pattern online on Etsy.
(It can also be bought as part of a Mary Maxim kit - but I already had the yarn.)
It looks very comfortable. Hope I enjoy wearing it when it's done!
Several weeks ago, I had a birthday - and I sailed into a new decade.
I had thought about doing something "extra special"... because of the new decade.
(But the birthday was also mid-week... People work... What to do?! In the end I planned nothing.)
I'm glad I didn't make a plan: In the end, Terry wasn't feeling well.
He just wanted to stay home and rest.
So I went out for a delicious meal with my two sons and my granddaughter, while Terry slept.
Afterwards we played a board game.
It was a busy and fun-filled week - a perfect celebration!
Sometimes NOT PLANNING brings amazing surprises!
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.
Another major snowfall - after most of our snow had melted!
Once it stopped snowing, I THINK the sun came out... (Didn't see the sun - but I did see SHADOWS...)
Here's hoping that this is our LAST snowfall of the season. I'm ready for spring!
.... power lines...
... and trees.
Experience has taught us that heavy laden, ice covered branches can bend to touch power lines, or even break off, cutting electricity.
So we took a few precautions, like keeping cell phones charged, putting gas in our small generator, so that it would be ready to go if needed.
I also took some food out of the fridge, in case the power went out and we wanted to avoid opening the fridge door. Not easily perishable food, but things like lettuce, apples, bread and jam.
I also made herbal tea that I enjoy both hot and at room temperature.
We stayed indoors all day. Fortunately we didn't lose power. We were able to cook.
But we were ready - in case we couldn't.
I've been buying Canadian-grown lettuce this winter...
It's grown hydroponically in a greenhouse.
The bunches are still attached to the "soil" pods they grow in.
Would the lettuce continue to grow if I watered the pods? I wondered...
So I've given it a try. Four or five pods have been growing in this container on my kitchen window ledge. (Can't forget to water it!)
I need to start a second container as this one is now full. All they need is water and light.
I've snacked on a few leaves - but no large salad yet from my little indoor winter garden. (Maybe it needs more light!)
Last Sunday, our front yard looked like this...
The snow was off the roof - but there was still A LOT on the ground!
Then yesterday... (a mere TWO DAYS LATER!) ...
I was out raking!!
There were so many pine cones on the ground - that I had to tidy things up!
I got two garbage cans full.
This is my favourite part of spring - warm, but not too hot... and NO BUGS! They haven't appeared yet.
It always astounds me how quickly the snow melts once warm weather arrives.
Suddenly the world outdoors looks totally different!
Hope the snow is gone for the winter - but one can never be sure!
