Real signs of spring

I was in the backyard (a.k.a. dog park) hanging out with Katie when I notice that there are real signs of spring.  Actual warm and sunny spring!  And they are right in my backyard. 


I nearly couldn't believe it when I saw them.  Look how magical...

Do you see what I mean?

How about now?  Look a little closer!

Delicately tucked in the leaves were these amazing and totally unexpected flowers (are they snow drops?)!!!  I admit I did plant a ton of crocus, which haven't made their way up yet, but I didn't put anything here.  

What a cool surprise!  I am just so glad that Katie and I were goofing off in the backyard so that I noticed them.

 

This by itself may not be a sign of spring, but it reminds me of those comical furry critters that scamper around and eat them.  That makes me think of the movie Bambi.  You know where he gets twitter-paited.  

I wonder if that's where twitter came from?  From Bambi?

What I am trying to say is that squirrels act nuttier in the spring and this half nut reminded me of that whole silly thing.  (please pardon my finger in the shot) 

I have a close eye on the bulbs I planted, but looking around in one of my front gardens I found this sweet heart poking up.  I surely didn't plant this one and can't wait to see what it ends up being. 

(and who are you calling Shirley?)

Katie was also all smiles over the excitement of finding actual signs of spring.  

Just look at her grin!

Katie and I found this very fuzzy nut/pod thingy.  Katie slobbered on a few of them.  I kept this one.  I think I will put it on my desk as a spring reminder!

This is the smallest little tip of a tulip or a daffodil.  One of the many that were put there on purpose (and have survived, the deer, skunks, squirrels, my bad planting, and Katie ... so far)

This last one may not be a sign of spring, but it's neat nonetheless.  

Do people say that any more?  Nonetheless?  Too cool!

And there you have it!  Spring spring is nearly here, spring spring is everywhere!

What signs of spring are you seeing?

Down by the lake

The light is lingering just a tiny bit longer these nights, which means I am able to sneak in a dog walk before it's too dark.  In NY, we do have the time switch coming up which means we will really have daylight for a walk starting next week!  (I am still mourning my lost hour from the whole spring back thing, but I'm excited for more daylight in the evening!)

What I'm getting at is that this week is the first week (in awhile) that Katie and I could head down to the lake near the house to see if we could catch the sunset.  We were a tiny bit late, but it was still gorgeous!

I have always had a thing for silhouetted tree's and this snap captures some beautiful ones!  It looks so serene and peaceful doesn't it? 

In this one, you start to get a better feel of the ice loosing it's grip on the lake. 

I think Katie was very happy to be down by the water sniffing around!  Ha! And check out her "get the camera outta my face" attitude in the second one.  She has so many expressions any more!

This lake was one of the things that really pushed me over the edge to buy our house.  I never dreamed I would be within walking distance to something so beautiful!

I can already see so many memories in the making: fishing, swimming, laying at the beach, going to the dog beach for Katie to swim, reserving the beach for a summer party, grilling, mingling with neighbors, and we can put a small boat in the lake! 

On the shore their was a flag flapping in the wind that caught Katie's attention.  It's faded, and a bit torn, but bubbled up so much pride for me. 

You see I'm a military brat (child of parents who were in the military), so I still get hit with that emotion from random things.  You should see me tear up at a football game after seeing the color guard salute or a fly over.

I also thought these photo's would make a nice contribution of Midweek Blues which is hosted by Rebbeca at The Dusty Cellar.  These aren't the bright cheery blues I ususally think of.  These are more moody, deep, and thoughtful.

Anyone can play along, link your post of any interpretation of blues: colors, moods, music, poetry...be as creative as you like!

The door-desk

Mr. Happy and I have been (happily) busy with all things house. 

One of those tasks is continuing to set up rooms.  (also know as, get rid of the boxes and get the stuff off the floor)

This is a snap of my craft/office room on Sunday morning.  It's cluttered and there is clearly not enough work surface to take on any substancial projects. 

So, I had this idea.  (A lot of our projects start with me having a wild idea that Mr. Happy (the engineer) has to shape into workable plans that we can actually do.)

I had seen a show or read somewhere about making a desk out of a door.  I love the challenge of upcycling something that may otherwise be thrown out.  I also love the factor that I am saving us tons of money by not buying something.  Lastly, I like that I get a lot of control in how the final product comes out -- that means I get almost exactly what my little 'ole brain dreams up.

I asked Mr. Happy if I can have one of our doors to set my plan in motion and he says... "we have a door that was replaced that is available."  Perfect!

Now, all I needed were a few legs and nails and voila, I would have a nice big desk to put that excellent finishing touch on what will become command central for me!

This is the door.  It used to go between the garage and the basement.  That said, it's a special door that is wood on one side (the side showing here) and the other side is metal.  See that metal detail put a twist on my plan.  Originally, I was thinking of cutting the door to make the desk shorter. 

Well, cutting metal is harder to do and would leave unfinished edges.

This is what the metal side looks like.  It has a pretty neat pattern on it -- lots of character!  With the plan to shorten the door out, we measured, and I paced, and I tried to visualize what a full size door-desk would look like in that space. 

And... well I determined it would fit.  Horray!


Now that we had what seemed like a plan, the next step was to visit the Home Depot (hardware store).  We went with a list to get table legs (4), screws (3 inch), and Mr. Happy needed a tool or something. 

We didn't find pre-made table legs.  Boo!  But, we did find pressure treated wooden fence posts (big ones) that could be cut to the correct 28 inch desk height.  Close enough for me.  So, about $50 later, we had the makings of what would become the door-desk!

We spent Sunday morning prepping all the parts.  The metal door had to be cleaned up and sanded. 

The wooden legs had to be sanded.  Don't I look like I am having a blast sanding that leg?  I really get a crazy good enjoyment out of working with my hands and creating things!! 
(you can also see shop dog (Katie) laying in the sunshine taking in a nice nap)

Here is a closer look at on of the legs I was working on.  See that dip.  I had to be sure to sand that part by hand because the palm sander couldn't quite get in that crevasse.  (Don't I sound awesome naming tools!!)

I also like how the grain looked on these legs.  Very pretty!

I guess we woke princess up with all the noise and tools and such.  She's a good shop dog!  (Even when she steals my sandpaper and wants to play mid work)

When the legs were sanded and the desk top prepared... we got to attached the legs.  I don't remember if they are attached at this point or if they are just sitting on top of the legs, but I learned a lot about jigs (patterns to put the screws on the same for each leg), measuring (all the legs had to be put in the same spot), and patience (I have none).

Looks cool doesn't it?

Once assembled, Mr. Happy encouraged me to stain the legs a deep saturated mahogany color.  I resisted a bit, but just look how pretty they are with that color!!  OMGoodness!!

And here is the finished project in the craft/office room!

We had to wait for the stain to dry.  Unassemble the desk, carry the parts up from the woodshop, move a bunch of stuff and boxes out of the way to move my carpet and then reassemble the desk.

Then sit back it utter amazement!  It's everything I wanted!

And a bonus.  It also looks like a medieval torture table!

Another amazing project and result from Mr. Happy's woodshop!! 

----------------------------------------------------
I couldn't resist another blooming picture for you too.  It looks so much more beautiful each day and there are still two flowers at the top that have yet to open!  I'll keep you posted on them!

Hope your Tuesday is happy!

It Bloomed!!

Do you remember that amaryllis bulb that I planted back in January and shared with you here?

We saw it grow a bit here.

And most recently I shared that it looked like it would actually bloom here.

Well, it bloomed!  IT BLOOMED!! 

It's beautiful!

It's that incredible pop of color that I hoped for!

On another note, it looks like my amaryllis bad luck has gone else where.  In fact, it looks like my MIL got the non-bloomer that I usually get.   I'm sorry I pasted the jinx to you!

Happiness is waiting a lot of time for a very beautiful show of much needed mid-winter color!

Lingering with coffee

Ahh, it's the weekend.  Finally a chance to sleep in, wake up when your body is ready, snuggle a little extra, linger with a cup of coffee, and read a book in the sunshine! 

All incredible reasons to be oh so happy! 

All things I have done this morning!

The weather has come through with it's promise to be sunny today and I am hoping it will still reach 50 degrees!  While I am about to run out and enjoy the weather, I am thinking about the melting snow.

This time of year is about transition.  The cold weather warming, the snow giving way to the crocus, tulip, and daffodil bulbs, and me moving from the couch under a blanket to outside with my hands in the dirt.

These are a few snaps from the last snow storm.  Their isn't really a theme to them, other than they are more reminders that even in a chaotic moment, happiness can be found.

This is the wrought iron railing that comes up my front stairs.  I'm memorized how the snow found a place to sit within the S's and pile up as high as it did.

Between trying to catch the drips and breaking a few off for Katie to eat we both found a lot of fun in playing with these icicles.

Doesn't our stone fire oven look all snuggled in under the snow?  It was really pretty to look at the stone against the contrast of the snow.  I can't wait to fire this thing up in the spring and make some quesadillas or pizza bagels in it!

I'm sure you guessed that Katie was my partner in crime as I walked.  She would lay down in the snow like this and listen to all the sounds of cars, birds, and snow falling off tree's.  She seems so comfortable in the blanket of snow.

I couldn't help but play with the low hanging tree branches that were weighted down from the snow.  They easily made a cute addition to photos!

I don't think I will ever have enough Katie running pictures.  Just look as she comes toward me at doggy lightening speed!  Katie to the rescue!!

I finally captured a snap of a snowflake falling!

It's not in focus, but I have been wanting to get one all winter and it's a darn good start!  It's important to note that when I am trying to photo a falling snowflake I need a background that isn't white.

So, there you have it.  I have had plenty of fun in the snow.  That said, I am ready for warm weather, sunshine, light showers, bulbs growing, flowers, leaves on the trees, and my hands in the dirt. 

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Oh, is it Friday yet?

This is what today felt like...  Well it was long.  And it had it's moments. 

 I am sure to have something better tomorrow!   Until then enjoy Katie's funny take on the day!

Midweek Blues - while the power was out

Jientje, over at Heaven is in Belgium has been participating in a photo meme called "Midweek Blues."  Each time I see her blue photo's I melt a little.  Just take a look at this one here it's one my favorites! 

I think I have a weakness for blues at the moment as I think about how I will incorporate blues into my kitchen.  The same kitchen that has a deep wine colored floor.

"Midweek Blues" is hosted by Rebecca at The Dusty Cellar.  And talk about melting... you should see some of her blue shots from flowers to pottery and books to skies (their is a surprise ending to this post that is a must see)!!  (Plus her doggies are adorable!!)

So, while the power was out this past weekend I did have a little bit of juice in the camera and all that time free of ironing, tv, and chores left me with the perfect excuse to play with some natural light and things that are blue.


No power means no heat, so Mr. Happy and I spent a bunch of time bringing wood in from the wood pile.  The wood pile that is covered with a blue tarp.  I'm not sure that I have ever looked at the tarp before and said, "wow, that's a great blue"... but looking at it next to the snow and the brown of the wood seemed to  give it a whole new feeling.

I can't resist throwing in a "Katie Sniffing by the Wood Pile" snap either.  I can just hear her little nose working as her sense of curiosity had her searching for the culprit guilty of leaving cracked nuts near the tarp.  She looks hard at work, doesn't she?

My second blue snap is one of a vase that I adore.  I have been playing with ways to get blue and red to compliment each other.  I think it may be all about the tones of the colors.  But just look at this shot.  I'm not sure if it's the lighting, the tones of the colors, or the fact that I just love brick and this vase.  It makes me smile!

So, there you have it!  Blue!  Beautiful blue!  You can bet that I will be on the look out for more blue as I go about my happy week!

Valentine Gifties

I haven't shared the adorable gifts I got for Valentines Day yet.  That seems like it was ages ago already, doesn't it?  Valentines Day?  Sort of a fun to surprise to photo them now and take a closer look at how they are so cute!  Well, here they are.  

I have been striving for a plant in every room of the new house (bathrooms included), so I was tickled when I saw this.

Best parts?  It's green.  It looks like mini umbrella's.  And, it has the most adorable bow! 

Oh, that was the other part... the planter is yellow!  That wonderful cheery color that is a natural pick me up in the winter months!  

It has found a home on my kitchen table for the time being.  It's a cheery reminder of spring every time we sit down to dine!

I also got a jar with some rather yummy mix in it.  

Again, it's adorable.  The bow.  The stamp on the attached card.  And I have a real spot in my heart for mason jars!!

What's in it you ask?  Yup, beignet mix.  I have heard so many good things about beignet's!  They are puffy, they are French, they are decadent!

I'm looking forward to a nice quiet weekend morning to give these a try!

Favorite Beginning

My favorite beginning to a new week.  

 Gimme five... we survived the weekend (snow).

The power was out for two days which meant camping. 
Camping that looked a little bit like this...

and this...
"Mom, are you sure we can't go back outside to play in the snow again?  I really would like to play some more!  Just a few more minutes?"

And I spent a lot of time watching this go from this...

to this...
I think it will bloom any day now!  It changed again even this morning as the front flower as now clearly divided into two flowers!!  I am still on pins and needles waiting to see what color/s the flowers will be. 

Hope your weekend was lovely and you are ready for an exciting week here in the Happy Kingdom!  Oh, and Happy 1st of March!