Signs of spring...

I have a few favorite signs of spring... I suppose most people do.  One is when the deciduous trees get that first blush of green, right before the leaves open up. And when the ducks arrive at the pond, ready to raise a new family. And of course, brand new Thoroughbred foals at the horse farm just down the road.

But I think my favorite is when the tulip fields are bright with blooms, which show up at the Pike Place Market by the bucketful. We always time a visit to the city in April, and I bring home an armful to brighten the house.



A friend of my niece has a farm stand on Vashon Island, growing gorgeous flowers from spring to fall. Lately she's been posting pictures of ranunculus, something I have never grown. It's too late for bulbs, which around here should be planted in the fall. I'll be working on that (and on gardening friends and family who might have bulbs to spare).

Check out the Olive Farmstand on Instagram... you'll be blown away.

Store dogs...

This lovely girl is the official greeter at Camaraderie Cellars. I spent a bit of time with her, wine glass in one hand, scratching her ears with the other.



Seven years ago on this day, I gave notice at the place I'd worked for 23 years, and a month later, I was free. Like a lot of people, I had a very long list of the things I wanted to enjoy in retirement. My list had all the usual things, travel and spending more time with family. But it also had one thing I really wanted when the time was right:  a puppy.

I never worried about being bored in retirement, not once. But I didn't count on not slowing down, even 7 years later. We always thought that road trips and travel don't mix well with a dog, and I don't like the idea of leaving my dog in a kennel. But finally, I think I'm starting to feel my age. Instead of getting itchy feet when I'm home too long, I feel like I'm putting down roots. A couple of trips a year is beginning to sound perfect, surrounded by plenty of time working in my yard, sitting on the deck at the cabin, quilting.

And a puppy.