Laowai

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 the lake is unsafe, but this sign is up year round. If we need some infrastructure like stairs we certainly pay enough taxes to build them. The only people with easy access are the people who own houses along the lake. Why, why, why are we depriving ourselves of something that is so good for us?

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 should expect it. And thank you.

I walked to Lake Michigan today. As you get closer to the lake the houses grow bigger. 

Sometimes, especially at this time of year, a little sunshine can make all the difference.

I've been doing quite a bit of sewing and knitting lately.

My sweater is getting close to being finished. One sleeve is complete – yay!

I mended another sweater hole. This time one of Brian's sweaters.

And I made a dress. This is a new pattern and a new pattern company for me. After making three test bodices I am mostly happy with the fit. The pattern is called the Upton dress and it's extensive. It comes with several sleeve, bodice and skirt options so in theory you could make 350 different variations. And it has pockets! I chose a princess seam bodice with a v-neck and a pleated skirt. I used a pale pink fabric – Essex yarn dyed linen cotton blend from Robert Kaufman. Maybe I will wear this dress to the welcome dinner at the wedding Brian and I are going to. Needs to be dressed up a little somehow… we'll see.

Uhg – I should brush my hair and learn to take better photos. 

Bea turned 15 yesterday. We celebrated the day before by going to an escape room with good friends. She also started her drivers ed course on her birthday. It's going to be a big year!

Birthday doughnuts – she likes Boston Cream best.

Bea requested Black forest cake – I used Grandma Dice's chocolate cake recipe and layered it with cherry jam and whipped cream. 

Happy Birthday love!

My sister turned 50 last week. I'm lucky to have my big sister – someone who I share so many opinions and experiences and inclinations with. She is much more talented than me. She can make French macarons, walk on her hands, raise honey bees, sew fancy dresses, do math, boil maple syrup, sail a boat and do a 1000 piece puzzle really quickly. And on top of all that she juggles her job while being the best mom. She doesn't like to sing, she hates the feeling of wooden popsicle sticks, she's anti snowman decorations at Christmastime and she dislikes celery. Other than that she's the perfect sister. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER!

Happy Valentines Day Kathy

We love you! ❤