March 23: The blur of a blizzard

"I hate it when you see in films people with their anoraks flapping open in a blizzard. They'd be dead in a couple of minutes. It's got to be real. It's got to work." - Michelle Paver

I have learnt that...make sure your coat is zipped, you are wearing a beanie, and have gloves on...not fun being in a blizzard, and after balmy February temperatures, the temperatures in March have been horrible...I don't think it has been above zero for two weeks! This is the second snow storm that Mike has managed to evade...perhaps he knows something about the weather that I don't and plans his away trips around them?? Anyway, we survived, and since no cashiers could get to work, Nicole volunteered, which meant she volunteered me to dig the car out and navigate the horrible roads....we made it, and she even said there was a steady stream of people buying who knows what in the store....especially after I would have thought they would have been in the zombie-crush the day before, shopping for the blizzard apocalypse! I think that I shall request a snow blower for Christmas...just in case am home alone again next year! I do hope that this is it for the snow, and that Spring can really and truly begin! Although, after a few days, and the thaw begins, it it very beautiful, and we wouldn't appreciate Spring as much if we hadn't experienced this!

March 8: Spring perhaps

"Fair-handed Spring unbosoms every grace; throws out the snowdrop and the crocus first." - James Thomson

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After a very turbulent few days...which have rushed by, I seemed to have missed a week or two...the sun popped out from the freezing rain yesterday, and so did the crocus! Such vibrant color in the remaining barrenness of winter, a reminder that there is always something to look forward to!

February 24: Beauty Bar

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve." Mary Kay Ash

 My Mary Kay Spring beauty bar all ready to go....this is such fun, and an awesome  business opportunity for me. I am learning so much about myself, and extending myself far beyond what I though was capable. Hopefully my enthusiasm will rub off somewhere! Who would have thought 20 plus years ago when my hands were covered in mud and fish scales!!

February 23: Spring already?!?

"The beautiful spring came; and when Nature resumes her loveliness, the human soul is apt to revive also." -  Harriet Ann Jacobs

 How exciting is this? The first bloom peeping through the lawn....but although we have been having oddly warm days, there are cold days to follow. Unreal that blooms are appearing before the end of February!!! Hopefully they will survive the roller-coaster weather in between. I am not complaining though!!! My soul is feeling revived, but too scared to be fully immersed in the feeling in case we are plummeted  back into winter!

February 22: Mud pond reflections

"When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park?" - Ralph Marston

One thing I love about having to get Riley out in the morning before work is watching the change of seasons unfold before my eyes...It is not noticeable on a daily basis, but when I look back over my pictures, I suddenly notice something different. I don't have lots of time to spend quiet moments doing nothing, but I always appreciate a beautiful morning, with no wind, blue skies and perfect reflections. There is something uplifting in the air...will not get too excited with the anticipation of Spring...anything can happen!!

February 21: Taste of home

"You can't escape the taste of the food you had as a child. In times of stress, what do you dream about? Your mother's clam chowder. It's security, comfort. It brings you home." Jacques Pepin

This is so funny....home from home, except that it is not really what we used to eat! (Definitely not clam chowder...and not really yellow rice and spinach!) Fun that UCSD integrates different cultures into their weekly menus!

February 20: Odd beauty

"People are like stained - glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

You find beauty and interest in the oddest places...this was in the hallway of the doctor's. I only noticed it because the waiting room was full, and we were waiting for some results, looking around. No, we are not sick....standard medicals for this long immigration process...second time around. This long process can be completely disheartening, so it is important to always have a light shining within, so your true beauty can be revealed and you can draw on this for strength. Your light within will always be a beacon for others who maybe can't find their light!