Happy 2nd day of Spring!

Technically, yesterday was the first day of spring.  After any winter (even one as mild as this past one has been), I look forward to the "official" start of the new season.  (Not so much fall and winter.)

Spring to me means FLOWERS! First came the snowdrops . . .

Then came the crocuses ...

My daffodils are about to bloom . . .

and finally ... the tulips ....

What is it you like best about Spring?

Oh, yum ... corned beef and all the trimmings

Did you have a wonderful (pseudo) Irish meal on Saturday?  We did!  I had thought about trying to make Irish stew, but I couldn't find the right cut of lamb.  So we had ...

Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots . . .

along with Irish soda bread . . .

It was wonderful!

What did you have for your St. Paddy's day dinner?

Hot dog!

The weather has been terrific -- if you're a duck.  No, really, it's been wonderful temperatures, but clouds and sun and a little rain.  But that didn't stop us from hauling out the grill for the very first hot dogs of the season.

I'm a hot dog purist.  Onions and ketchup and that's about it.  Mr. Ivy likes the works.  Can you say sloppy?  But they sure smelled good on the grill the other night.

Of course, hot dogs need other picnic food.  I made tuna-mac salad and we had potato chips, too.  A diet meal?  No.  A healthy meal?  No way!  A tasty meal?  You got that right!

Have you had your first bite of summer yet?

The Change Jar

Doesn't every have a change jar?  I do.  All year long I collect the loose change I get and toss it into my jar.  When junking season comes along, I'm ready.

My favorite thing to do is go junking on the weekends with my two best girlfriends.  We're talking every weekend.  Funny, but we hardly see each other during the winter months, but come April, we're ready.

Of course, first we start out at the local coffee shop to gossip, drink coffee and eat doughnuts, but after that, we're serious--or at least I am.  I usually drive because the other two are too busy gabbing, but that's okay, we're all having fun.

My jeans pocket is full of nickels, dimes, and quarters and I'm ready to find those bargains.

How about you?

Oh, the weather outside ain't frightful

I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely delighted that, not only DIDN'T March come in like a lion, but it looks like the lamb is here to stay.

The forecast for the entire week is in the 60s.  IN MARCH!

Yahoooooooo!

The robins are back.  The geese are flying north.  My daffodils are about 4 inches high.  The calendar isn't quite ready to say spring is here, but I sure am.

How about you?

Getting closer to junking season!

It's already the 5th of March. Just think, in five weeks the garage and yard sales will begin again. My favorite sale in Lyons, NY is only 9-10 weeks away! (I sure hope that family on the bend will haul out their popcorn machine this year--and that the college student who makes fried dough will come home for the weekend. I sure missed both treats last May.)

I liken junking with the anticipation of Christmas. I mean, think of it--there's potentially 24 weekends of shopping and gift-giving. (Um...most of these gifts I give to myself, and a few go to the house.)

Once again I'll be looking for vintage dishware, pictures, and linens.

What are you going to look for this junking season?