Popeye's paradise

I love my new raised bed that Kevin and I put in last fall. I planted it too late in October to harvest anything, but the spinach that came up stayed all winter to burst on the scene for an early harvest this spring. I have been so enjoying going out every day to pick scrumptuous leaves for my sandwiches and salads.

I had to replant the kale, collards, swiss chard, and lettuce. I also planted radishes and snow peas and cilantro... all the cool weather crops in a cool place in the yard. Everything is coming up and promises more yummy harvests throughout the season.

Mmmmm spinach!

Tubbs Hill photography club field trip

The newly formed North Idaho Digital SLR Club had its first field trip today on Tubbs Hill. It is a beautiful part of our community, right on the lake for everyone to enjoy. It was windy today, and warm when the sun poked through the clouds... cold when it hid behind.

For those of you who have wondered where I have been since December, I am happy to report that I have been too busy to blog.... but maybe I will have to get back to finding a way to fit it in!

HAPPY SPRING!

Its beginnning to look a lot like Christmas!

I love Christmas. Not for the presents, but for the joy that the presents bring.

Conor is wearing the Australian hat from Nick and Jude, Chris' parents. The hangy-down things are to keep the flies away... a must for those in Australia. Not quite essential wear here in wintery Idaho... but it looks cool!

Kevin is definitely prepared for a hot, sultry day.

I love ripping the paper. Isn't that the point?

Miss Shelley laughing at the merriment of the moment.

And a little relaxation after all the fun. It is great to have a full house at the holidays. That was my best Christmas present!

Second day of Winter

And all my children were snug in their own beds last night, and will be again for the next week. LIFE IS GOOD!

Thanksgiving 2009

I just want to take a minute to reflect on those very important folks I am so blessed to know. I hope you all had a safe and happy day.

A heartfelt thank you to my family for a memorable and emotional dinner. I love you all so much. The dinner was amazing, and being all together (except for a few loved ones across the country and world) was the greatest feeling.

Back row: Don, Mom, Ernie, Chloe, David, Brigette, Andrew, Olivia, Charlie, Alison, and Sawyer. Front row: Kevin, Ali, Sam, Skip, Hugh, Tina, Lance, Sam, and Charlie.

Me, my brother Charlie, my mom, my brother Lance, and my sister Sam.

Thanksgiving surprise

After all the surprises I received for my birthday, I decided it was my turn to do the surprising. So no one but my sister knew we were going to Virginia for Thanksgiving. So when my mother arrived today, Kevin and I went into the basement and Skyped Sam upstairs as if we were at home in Idaho.

So the stage is set... mom knows nothing. I said the connection was bad and that I would call back later. Sam loaned me a floppy hat, and I had my nephew and his girlfriend go upstairs with me, Kevin in tow with the camera. I wanted to see how long it would take for her to figure out it was me and get her reaction.

Here it is:

A perfectly executed plan. It was brilliant!

A Florida Birthday

Miss Ann celebrated her birthday with us girls in Florida this past long weekend (see Beth's blog today for more details) Ann has never had a pedicure before, so we all decided it was a good day to all go get our toes painted.

And our feet and legs massaged and pampered.

Oh that tickles!

Look at those gorgeous birthday toes!

She makes a wish and blows out the candles.

Happy Happy Birthday Ann. We love you!

We all proudly display our beautiful toes.

A beautiful day in sunny paradise.