Let it Snow!

You won't believe this. If I hadn't been here, I wouldn't. Yesterday we had a record high of 83 degrees. Then as the afternoon rolled by, a front moved through, it was sleeting by bedtime, and Bill woke us later so we could see the snow! Of course it was too warm to stick to the ground, but there was still snow on the cars and rooftops when we left for school in the morning. Now it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! I love it.

BTW - Brendan didn't make the basketball team. He's not too upset as only one of his friends who tried out made it. I had mixed feeling about the whole thing anyway. But now, I've lost my early morning quiet time to write. I'll have to be more diligent to get it done throughout the day.

I've just finished my family's holiday cookbook, and I'm reworking my novel, Dillon and Blue.

I hope the weather where you are is as wonderful.

SUNSHINE

After my last post, you may think that I've been wallowing in self-pity for the last two weeks. But actually, I haven't. I'm a naturally optimistic person. I get over set-backs pretty quickly and move on - especially when the sun is shining.

We have had glorious weather the last two weeks. I love to get out and walk in it. The birds are singing. The daffodils are in full-bloom and everything is mostly right with the world. Can you believe that this native-Texan goes out without a jacket in 50-degree weather when the sun shines? It makes all the difference and really lifts my spirit.

BUT a change is coming!
There is an artic blizzard coming down from the North and we are supposed to have heavy snow on Sunday and Monday. Those poor flowers aren't going to know what hit them, or the kids. I told Brendan about the forcast, and he said, "Aw, I've had my fill of snow." Maybe this time they'll close the school and we can play in it properly.

Unfortunately it does ruin our plans of going to London this weekend for Mother's Day. Yes, Mother's Day, or Mothering Day as they say here. It always happens in March, not May. And I guess that they call it Mothering Day so that any one who fulfills that role, grandmas, aunties, foster parents, or dads can get the praise that they deserve. Father's Day is on the same day as the US and is not called Fathering Day. Does that say something about the relative significance of each parent? Anyway, I alway have to stock up on cards in March to be sure I have something to send to the States in May.

So please don't worry about. You could send me a card for Mothering Day if you like. Most probably, I'll be out playing in the snow. Only in England!

Snow in England

As I write this, I'm looking out the window at a winter wonderland. I see the magpie with the gimp wing that lives in my front garden is eating the last few berries on the bushes.

It began snowing this morning before we woke up and hasn't stopped. I'm not sure of the official total yet, but I think we've had about 4-6 inches of snow, yes inches! Unfortunately, Brendan's school was one of the only ones that wasn't closed for the day. We don't have an excuse not to go, since we walk to school, but many ride the bus, and those weren't running this morning. I hope he's getting plenty of time to play outside. I can't wait for him to get home so we can build a snowman.

I walked with him to school this morning and continued walking for over an hour taking photos. I couldn't help myself. Every time I turned the corner, there was another postcard-perfect picture that I had to take.

The world is beautiful under a blanket of snow. It transforms everything into something magical. See if you agree.

We Got Snow and Snowdrops!

Okay, okay, I know that Texas beat us to the winter precip punch, but we got REAL snow, about 1/2 inch of it overnight on Tuesday. By 9a.m. yesterday morning, the dazzling sunshine was quickly melting it away, but not before Brendan and I got in a snowball fight! I love this kind of snow. You wake up to a beautiful white blanket of the stuff, and by the end of school, it's practically gone. Finally the thermal socks, ski jackets and gloves we bought to go to Lapland are coming in handy again.



I wanted it to snow again today. I went walking in the gardens at Castle Ashby with a friend, and saw the first sure signs of Spring - hearty little Snowdrops, popping up under the shelter of the big trees. Spring is such an event here. After months of dark, cold, wet weather, those little signs of rebirth are so welcome. It does my heart good to know the good weather, the best part about living in England, is just around the corner. Soon the crocuses and daffodils with be up, and the tulips won't be far behind.


I have had such a leisurely week this week, I feel almost guilty - almost. I had lunch with two friends on Tuesday and had a nice long chat, walked in the snow with a friend on Wednesday and had a nice long chat, and walked through the gardens on Thursday and had a nice long chat over rich, decadent, hot chocolate. Tomorrow, I'm going to a children's leaders conference in Eastbourne for the weekend with about six women. This time of year, when you're forced to stay inside, is a perfect time to catch up with friends. I never would have had time to do this when I was working. But I AM still working. I've got three new craft articles just about ready to go, and am starting to research middle-grade novels for girls so I can begin writing one of my own.