i have to say...

just checking in...

...to say that our visit was lovely.

Our family members arrived early so we had a houseful for a couple of days, but it worked out just fine.  Everyone was a wonderfully easy guest (I am serious about that!) so it made the time pass by too quickly, and it seemed premature when everyone left. I suppose that is better than counting the minutes until a difficult guest leaves, right?

Our garden is beginning to produce some edibles.  Is it me, or are garden-fresh tomatoes heavenly? 

My basil is going strong and I am looking forward to making some basil pesto soon.  Usually we make spinach pesto and I am looking forward to trying it a different way.

The only other item we are growing is peppers---3 kinds---but they aren't even close to being ready.  The one little jalapeno that I can see is only the size of a small bead, but I do hope for enough to makes loads of salsa!

It makes me laugh to think of those early spring days when we were so excited to go to the nursery and pick out our plants.  Snow was falling softly on the day we chose, but that didn't stop us, because the change of season held too much promise.  Warmer, longer days filled with sunshine and laughter and lemonade.  It occurs to me that we are living the days that we longed for back then. 

It puts a smile on my face to think of that.

and now we wait...

Seed starting is new to me.

This year gardening has been calling my name early, so I thought we would take the plunge.  Serious joy was had while digging through the dirt, even thought it came from a plastic sack.  Lettuces, spinach and some herbs are all tucked into their little pots, just waiting.

Everyday we have checked and rechecked for small sprouts, even though our planting was only a few days ago.  I think we may do the happy-dance when our friends make their first green appearance.

Did you know that you can make your own seed-starting pots using empty toilet paper rolls.  I found this tutorial too late, but I will do it this way on our next round of seeds.

...and now we wait...

 

i dropped a few hints...

...and I ended up with this:

Craig and Micah spent most of Saturday making a potting bench for me.  I have wanted one for a couple of years now--every serious gardener (and wanna-be, like me!) needs one--so when we found this how-to and some scrap wood, it was a "go".

I love watching my hubby work with the boys.  He is very skilled in doing home-improvement type projects and I am glad that he is passing that wisdom along to the boys.  In case you are wondering, yes, he passes the wisdom along to the girls, too.  I have a nineteen year-old girl who could tile your bathroom or put hardwood in your living room as long as you provided something to eat and good music. 

The bench is supposed to go outside, but for now I am keeping in our "green room".  (Any guesses on why we call it the "green room"?)   Seed starts and some herbs will be making an appearance any day now, and when the time comes, I am not sure that the bench will make it's way outside.   Since it is my bench, I can keep it wherever I like, right?

The thought of getting my hands dirty and watering plants is like a dream!  I am sure that I have said this too many times this month, but I am so ready for spring to be here.  A pair of capris coupled with flip-flops sounds like the perfect combination these days.  Is anyone else tired of winter clothes?

Have a lovely day!