Hello, April

The pussy willow tree my kids gave me for mother's day years ago is doing so well. One of my favorite things to do in April is cut some to bring inside. 

The crocuses are blooming! E and I decided a few years ago to put in fall bulbs every autumn, and we are so glad that we do that! What a gift in spring. 

Every year E paints me a wooden egg for Easter. I have a good collection at this point and I treasure them all. Here is this year's:

For W's upcoming birthday, I did not make her anything except the needlehouse in the previous post. However, I did make a skirt for her pink jellycat monster- and I think she will be thrilled. 

In some ways it's hard to believe that it is already April. . . winter was uncharacteristically quick, in hindsight. I supposed in the middle of it it did not feel that way. Either way, I am so glad it is April- I love this month. My girls were born in April, the flowers begin to bloom, spring is in full swing. 

I ordered seeds today, possibly a little on the late end because a few of the ones I had my eye on were out of stock. And when I went to get seed potatoes most of it was out of stock. But in the end, I got what I wanted- and I am eager to begin setting up and planting! Potatoes can go in soon, but I will need to be patient another month before planting anything else. I can do that. 

I read an article someone sent to me this week called "Scientists Warn of a Friendship Recession- I'm part of it." It talks about how the pandemic messed up folks' social lives- with many things cancelling and not coming back, with friendships dissolving and no one bothering to reinstate them- how weary everyone is, and how used to isolation we have become. This was both validating and disheartening to read. Indeed, since many things (what still exists for us) have begun again running "normally," I have noticed a difference in people. More folks seem in their own bubble- not bothering to visit, tear their eyes off their device, or even make eye contact with others. Parents waiting for our children's music class together sit far apart, ignoring one another. I remember a time over a decade ago- when my oldest was in the same music class- parents would chat. Get to know one another. I still have good friends from that time. But now? What is happening? I find myself the only one not on a device- often knitting or reading, or listening to the kids make music. And it's kind of lonely. 

Anyway, those are my thoughts for now- I love April, I cant' wait to plant the garden, and I wish folks would get off their devices and humanize with one another. 

Love, Melanie 

PS I've had a couple folks tell me they try to comment and blogger just won't let them. I am so sorry! I think I may have fixed the issue now though.