A Ride Called March

~Thank-you Capital Weather for this illustration!~

I've been reminded this week about why I dislike March. March is the month that teases you about spring. With 31 days, it can be long, cold and bleak with 'roller-coaster' temperatures.  We had a very pleasant start to our week with nice weather -- Added to that I met a visiting friend from out of town one evening for a lovely dinner.

But the week changed on Wednesday when pouring rain chased me most of the drive home.  By the time I got home, the rain had stopped and high winds warnings were in effect.  Todd showed his tough-rugged Scottish side and stood unflinching facing into the wind for a long time.

I finally made him come inside, but I think he would have stayed out if I'd let him.

We got everyone fed and settled and just as I thought would happen, our lights went out as it was getting dark.  All the dogs stayed on guard and barked each time the wind hummed through a drafty window.  It was a long night.  Thankfully our power was restored in the early morning hours.

~Charlie watching the glow of a lantern~

At the end of the week, snow is being talked about for Monday.  I am worn out and am looking forward to what I hope will be a quiet and uneventful weekend.  However, I've no doubt that Todd will find something to bark at.

A Weekend of Self-Control

Our week may have begun with a winter storm, but it ended feeling like springtime.  Saturday could not have been a nicer day for us with bright warm sun.

~Todd, sporting a new spring hair-cut~ 

Unfortunately we didn't get to enjoy much of the day outside, because it was an adoption day for the lovely Ms. Yellow.  We dropped her off with the "cat people" and hoped that after 5 hours, just as it was with Dale, she would also find her forever home. When we picked her up, we were told that there wasn't one single nibble from anyone interested in her.  Probably because she hissed at people, slept the rest of the time, and aside from there being about 20 cats to choose from, she's just not as sociable and cute as the kittens that were there. The volunteers also running the adoption event hardly even knew she was there, and I think that may have played a part in it as well. At any rate, she's here to stay with us for a while longer, and that's okay.

While Ms. Yellow was showing her not-so-good side, Carl and I spent the beautiful day doing the only thing you can do when in town, we went to the mall and had lunch.

~My personal Corner-Bakery favorite, a chicken pesto sandwich~ 

After a little bit of shopping we followed the advice on this sign....

And we shared this....

I know that wasn't exactly the intention of the sign, but we did enjoy it.  Our weekend is ending quietly and uneventfully -- No self control needed for that!  I hope you've had a good weekend too!

~Shadow~

A few of you asked about my recipe for banana bread from my last post.  

I found it online here.  I've used this recipe for more than 20 years and it's simple and easy and best of all, it's perfect every time and delicious!  Enjoy!!

It Has to End!

As expected, my office was closed on Monday because of the snow.  However it wasn't as bad as the weathermen swore it would be.  

 And it was just enough for the dogs to enjoy it.     

Our first snow-days of the year, I was outside with the dogs, and I wasn't getting anything done.

~Charlie and Cissy in the background~

I think I've gotten it all out of my system because this snow-day was a productive one that consisted of cleaning and baking 4 loaves of banana bread.  There's no question that bread is worth the work. But all the cleaning that was done, I think is a clear sign that the snow-days have to end!  

Even if the winter isn't quite at an end, what is finally coming to an end is my not feeling well. Thank-you all for sending your healing-vibes, I think they made a difference!  I hope you're doing well and having a good week!!

Better and Not Better

After a full day of a strict diet of oatmeal, scrambled eggs and a little yogurt to eat, this morning Todd with ears up and bright eyes again, charged right into the day. Todd can have a sensitive stomach and I am pretty sure that a suet cake for the birds was to blame for how he was feeling.  I thought Sunny and Sheba were the only ones that had eaten it on Friday morning, but I now think that Todd enjoyed his share of the suet cake too.  I'm just really glad he's feeling like himself again!  

Me, I felt better yesterday, but today I'm not.  The doctor I work for thought on Friday that I had the flu.  I disagreed with his diagnosis, but secretly I now think he may be right. We'll see.

~Charlie~

I know warmer weather would make me and everyone else feel better. Like so many, despite being a snow-lover, I am ready for spring, as are the Robins that were in this tree the other day.

But my feeling better and spring is going to have to wait a little longer.  This evening another big winter storm has begun bearing down on us.  Carl's office is already closed for Monday, and I am just waiting for my call to tell me that mine will be too.  I hope I don't have to wait too long for both.

~Shadow~

The very shaggy Todd and I thank-you all for the healthy vibes you've sent and we hope you've had a good weekend!