I had a morning walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden again. Sometimes I tell myself I should just walk and not bother with photos. But then as I'm walking I see things and I get excited and I can't help but take a photo. I feel like taking a photo is another way of seeing.…

We got about five inches of snow yesterday. That was a bright spot but otherwise everybody around here has the January blahs. I am having a hard time motivating myself to do anything other than hiding in my sewing room and working on my quilt.  I finished all my blocks this morning. Hmmm, should I…

We got a fluffy dose of snow in the night and then the sun came out while I was shoveling. How nice. I've been enjoying all the snow people that I see around my neighborhood. Here are just a couple – I need to take more photos – they make me smile. And here's a…

My girls are back to two days a week of in-person school now. Today, after I dropped them off I took myself for a walk at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Since it's a gray day in the middle of January I was blissfully alone. I completely zoned out specifically looking for all the plants that…

January has set in with all the typical January things. Things like looking out at the snow from my cozy banquet. Neighborhood walks and slippery sidewalks. Surrounding myself with anything bright and cheery. Giving my hutch a refresh after the Christmas things are put away. Piling on the blankets so I don't have to suffer…

Sometimes I just can't believe how much Brian's life has changed over the last nine months. We were used to having him away from us, traveling an average of three days a week. And it wasn't unusual for him to be gone all week for a work trip. These days he sits in his office…

Here's how we said so long to 2020.  We decided to make and burn effigies of 2020. Brian was the star pâpier-maché crafter this time. He made a coronavirus, I made a 3D 2020 and Claire made a face with a mask. Bea didn't want to burn her creation – ha. Then it was time…

I cannot tell you how glad I am for our newest family members – Bea's fish.  Bea completely excels at fish care. We first bought the aquarium in September and she has become an expert since then. She has taught me so much about the personalities of each of her four species of fish. She…