Or when Brian is away – here is a random collection of things the mice got up to. Comparing brands of eggs. Accessorizing the mixer. Still don't know which of my daughters did this. Ate a strawberry candy. Went to the Chicago Botanic Garden orchid show. Went to the pet store to buy fish supplies……

Brian is returning, today, from a three week trip to Europe. The meetings he had to attend were supposed to be spread out over many weeks but because of covid they kept getting canceled. So then they had to be schedule one right after the other and Brian ended up on a grand tour of…

I finished two projects this week. One took a few hours and on took a few months. The quick project was a Verdun T-Shirt from Liesl and Co. My third time making this pattern. This time I modified the neckline to a v-neck. I had just enough of this Liberty Lawn fabric – hardly a…

Bea sent this photo yesterday – she's been dissecting a baby pig and that's the heart. She loves her biology class and has a great teacher. I thought maybe the photo was a love message to me but no, she just wanted to show me her work.

Waiting for Spring.

Today it's snowing but my mind is on spring. I started some seeds – Verbena bonariensis, Feverfew and Heuchera.  And I made some new pea trellises – can't wait to plant my pea seeds next weekend!

I've been trying to get out for a walk most days. It's such a dreary time of year but the proud northshore houses are interesting to look at.  This is a sign in my town. I cannot understand why access to Lake Michigan is blocked. Yes, we should put up signs when the ice along…

I always feel that it's strange that we call this forcing. Force – to make something happen or make someone do something difficult, unpleasant, or unusual, especially by threatening or not offering the possibility of choice. It seems too negative a word for something so pleasant. We need a new word… Coaxing? Pleading? Asking to please bloom now so that we may have a little color before we…