Beating Cabin Fever

Dear Friends,

Happy Chinese New Year's to you (We were going to do a Valentine's post, but didn't get around to it, so Chinese New Year is the next best thing.)!

We had a wonderful week of spring-like weather that had us all basking in the warmth outside, but now we're back to mitten and boots weather. The little ones aren't quite as excited to go out and play in the snow as they were back in December, so we've been trying to keep everyone entertained inside.

We put on a show for the residents of a local nursing home on the day before Valentine's, which was a lot of fun. The older folks seem to enjoy the upbeat songs more than anything, so we've been working on learning the guitar and fiddling songs to keep from hearing nothing but crickets after each number. :)

We also recently acquired a mountain dulcimer to spice things up a bit. Thankfully the dulcimer is quite easy to play, and we know that Tasha Tudor played one, so that is a plus in our book.

Frankie has been busy making bows and arrows for himself, and his sisters have been having fun creating costumes for him out of faux fur.

Even little Rebecca wants to be a part of the show (unless she's performing in front of live humans!).

Frankie has been learning to read, but still isn't quite up to reading Narnia, like he'd like to . . .

The dolls have re-opened their post office, and have been busy with the rush of Valentine's cards and other personal mail.

So we'll be continuing to creatively create until we can get out and get our hands dirty in the garden!

May you find something fun to do to get you through as well (unless you live in the Southern Hemisphere or Zone 9 or higher, of course).

Love and blessings,

Marqueta