Happy Spring!

Dear Friends,

The fairies in Missouri have decided to get to work making things pop up in the yard. Someone has been painting some amazing sunsets, as well!

We have been spending as much time as possible outside, eating, playing, and working in the garden.

Here we are on St. Patrick's Day, using everything green we could find in the cupboard.

The daffodils that bloom on the east side of the house are the first in the yard to flower. They must have a cozy spot against the cement foundation!

What would spring be without a few pansies? I love how Rebecca shows up in the corner of the this picture that Tasha took, and that her dress complements the purple in the pansy. I have such gifted children.

This past Saturday I attended a workshop on using native plants in one's landscaping. There were lots of shrubs being given out by the Conservation Department, so I brought home a witch hazel, black haw, a spice bush, and this nine bark that can't wait to get growing!  I also picked up lots of herbs and flowers and will be busy poking them here and there for the next few days.

May you also have the opportunity to spend as much time in the fresh air as possible this spring. And if you are going to put in a garden, please consider planting a few milkweeds (the tropical variety is a favourite) for the Monarch butterflies, who need our help if they are to avoid extinction.

Love,

Marqueta

Springtime is Coming

 Dear Friends,

After a month of colder than average temperatures, it has finally warmed up enough here in Kansas City to get outside and start working in the garden. We had a tree-trimming company dump a load of wood chips for mulch, and Frankie especially has been having fun playing on it.

We have been gathering up and burning rubbish from around the yard, and Audrey took lots of artistic photos of the fire.

We have put in a few peas, radishes, some chervil, and Shirley poppies in our front yard potager. It's the only (mostly) chicken-proof place in the yard!

The crocuses that we planted last fall are starting to bloom. They aren't purple like they were supposed to be, but their colour is so cheerful.

We have been enjoying making lots of Japanese food lately, and ordered a Japanese pickle press in order to make lots of fresh pickled veggies to eat with meals, Japanese style.

All the instructions were in Japanese, but we think we figured it out the right way. :)

Pink Eye has been making the rounds at our home (yuck!), with Hyrum being the last one afflicted. Poor little boy just hates having his eyes and nose cleaned out! We have been spending lots of quality time trying to sleep on the couch or chair this past week, so he can breathe better.

The girls are working on learning some Irish tunes to entertain the elderly on St. Patrick's Day.We've learned that you have to play upbeat songs, to keep everyone from falling asleep! May you have a wonderful weekend, dear friends, and here's praying that spring will be here soon for real.

Love,

Marqueta