Crabapple Tree

 There is a crabapple tree just outside the window where I have my computer.  I can't wait for its amazing blossom party --which won't happen until mid- to late-May. Meanwhile, it is getting ready to unfurl its leaves.

Morning view

I love the way the sun hits my front garden in the morning. As you can see, plant life is just getting started around here. Very late spring.

Ring

I got my 20th Anniversary ring cleaned and polished and picked it up today.  I really have to stop wearing it when I lift weights and clean, as it really gets beaten up. It looks so great when it is all shined up that I decided to make it my photo object today and played around with different angles and lighting. I'm still trying to figure out how to do close-ups....

A lake outside my door.

From sunshine to rain--and lots of it. A lake is forming at the far end of the brick patio.

The lake.....waiting for us

Nobody out on the lake yet in their boats. Yesterday and today were our first real spring-like days, with temps in the 60s.  Can't wait for a little warmer weather and a chance to get out on the lake in the kayak. This is the boat landing that I also photographed awhile back, with ice still on the lake. Things are not very green yet--even the lake weed seen in small clumps here looks like old stuff left from last fall!

Solemn Sons; Cheerful Nieces

 Here are my quiet, somber sons (who don't look related to each other, do they?) and three of my nieces (with smiles at the ready) at today's Easter dinner.

Water bottle collection

I was hunting in the cupboards for something and I finally couldn't stand all the water bottles that get in the way and fall over.  I took them out in order to make some executive decisions as to which stay and which go.

Utter laziness

I somehow got caught up in the Mad Men episodes and got myself Season 4 on DVD to watch as a "reward" for finishing my thesis.  So, naturally, I have been lying around watching these instead of finalizing my PowerPoint presentation for my thesis defense.

Easter Shoes

Pansies

I refuse to post a picture from today's snow.  Instead, a visit to Linder's Greenhouse for some welcome greenery and color.

Psychological defense against the weather

It is supposed to snow again this evening. Several of us Minnesotans are indulging ourselves with purchased flowers to put in our houses.  We WILL have spring, one way or another!

Tiger Lilies

Some of the hardiest plants are tiger lilies.  These have spread like crazy and come up happily every spring.

Signs of growth

Sunday's picture: I walked around the yard to see what interesting things are happening.  Here is a favorite plant whose leaves are unfurling. Anyone care to hazard a guess as to what plant it is? (Hint: it's something you can harvest)

Saturday morning surprise

Yeah, it does that here in Minnesota in April.  It was gone by suppertime.

Cool and windy

The wind ornament at the edge of my garden has been spinning like crazy today.  It's chilly and we may get a little snow again in the next couple of days. (I expect it won't stay long, though.)

Outdoor play

The girls again, "cleaning" their driveway with some bubble solution. It was not quite so warm yesterday as on Tuesday.

A warm day

Tuesday was warm enough to be outside in shorts and sandals!

Scilla

Finally, things are growing and blooming in Minnesota! These are called Scilla. They are tiny little flowers and grow from bulbs. They obviously don't die out, as tulips are prone to do, as they have come up every year since my 17 year old son planted them as a 4 year old.

Sunday Supper

A quiet, uneventful day today.  Just a dinner photo tonight.

Saturday night dinner

An evening out with good friends. Photo taken by my husband.

The girls in my neighborhood

I am in love with these two adorable girls who live across the street (whose parents are also wonderful people).  Today they were out with their mom, strolling their babies (and mom strolling their baby brother).  As you can see, they are already preventing crow's feet with their cool shades.  I had my arms full of things from my car, so the photo isn't all that well framed, but oh well.... I expect to take more pics of these girls in the future!

This is our other season

In Minnesota there are two seasons: winter and road construction.  We are barely beginning to leave winter, but that's no reason the road projects can't start making our lives miserable.

Tuesday

Did a little socializing for a change, at a house I had never been to before.  The house was filled with windows and plants.  It was almost as nice as being outside!  (In retrospect, I wish I would have taken pictures of their living room, which was almost completely taken over by two 16 foot kayaks!)

Monday's activity

Filling out job applications

So...I think it's time to put the snowmobile away

Hard at work

I took my laptop to Starbuck's after dropping Andy at school at 8 a.m. Still pulling that thesis together... When I looked at my watch it was noon.  I did sneak a little break in here and there with a peek at Facebook. Look closely: those of you who follow Rich's posts may be amused.

Thursday's flower

Thursday, I came down to the kitchen to find this bloom waiting! I pulled the hibiscus into the house last fall and have tried to keep it going (it is a very thirsty plant) and here was my reward! In a few weeks, it can go back outside, where it really thrives.