Sunday, May 16, 2021

Spring Might really Be Here!

What a crazy time this is! With spring finally showing its warmer side here in Michigan, I find myself feeling overloaded with things to do. Most of them are good things, which is a plus but sometimes I wonder how I'm keeping up with anything! It's seems I'm slow with replies, slow posting, slow with home things. Spring fever? Could be.


Rick headed to the cottage to open things up. He expected a reasonably easy trip but arrived to a pipe that had frozen and was spewing water (fortunately outside), no internet connection, a tree down (fortunately not on the house or garage but rather enormous and needing to be handled), two porch screens that had blown in during the winter and a hot water heater that was leaking and needs to be replaced -- fast. 

The good news is that he could find a plumber who came quickly and the internet appointment was within 24 hours so things are getting done but it hasn't been the easy get-away he was hoping for. Hopefully he'll find his own sun puddle to enjoy while he's still there (Rick's favorite "sun puddle" is the always found on the back of a bike!)

I stayed  home and enjoyed a take-out with our friends Mark and Jan from our favorite Mexican restaurant. Rick doesn't like this spot, so it was a perfect time for us to enjoy it without the side commentary!

Friend Kate and I headed to the nursery and I picked up a lot of plants. What a glorious experience, to return to a flower-filled nursery again after so many months of being more or less home and seeing more than our share of gray skies (not to mention winter white a few months ago). 

Some of my purchases are still "in holding" for outdoor planting at the cemetery but the rest were put in pots, some of which will be here at home, others for the lake. Assuming, that is, that I can keep them alive till I get up there! Next up, putting those pots where they belong in the front and back yards.


The latest read is (still) Hilary Mantel's "The Mirror and the Light," which is about Henry VIII following the execution of Anne Boleyn, wife number three (Jane Seymour -- spoiler alert, she dies) and beyond. 


I passed 500 of close to 900 pages and while it is interesting, I think Mantel could have used an editor a bit more liberally.


I've finished a couple more paintings.(more on that in another post) and repainted the bench I found a year or two ago on the street. In the winter it looked like this, still with a bit of the blue.


The winter was hard on it and pretty much all of the paint came off or faded. You could barely see it from the house anymore. So I painted it white with a slight pink hue that showed up more in the jar than on the bench. No matter -- it's good for where it is and I can see it again! I spruced up the wreath, too. I'll probably paint the bench red in the fall so I can actually see it from the house when the snow flies, assuming it's still in one piece!)

While I was in the yard, I picked a few lawn flowers. They're so cheery!

And, in the kitchen, a bit of lemon baking. I've made Marie's recipes before and she recently had a whole post of lemon dishes, sweet and savory. The long biscuits are a ginger/lemon biscotti -- the flavor blend is perfect. The square ones are a gingerbread bar with lemon buttercream. I had some candied ginger left from the biscotti so I sprinkled that on top. Trust me -- these will be standards in the future!

As I write this, it is farewell remembrance day to my own little Marmelade Gypsy, He left us on May 16, 2012 on a gorgeous spring day, laying in my arms outside as our dear vet, Dr. Anne, came by to help him the last little bit of the way. (He probably needed Anne less than Rick and I did.)  It ranks up there with the toughest days of my life. And Gypsy was one of the greatest gifts. 

Yesterday, a long walk (more on that later) and I didn't even need a coat! It seems like our weather may be turning into "real" spring.


 It's about time. 

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54 comments:

Iris Flavia said...

Yay to Spring ( and men taking care ;-)...).
And such a beautiful bookmark! And bench, hmmm, romance...
So sad about Gypsy. Maybe I should not get a cat. I could not stand ... you know...

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

Pretty plants and kitty. Those special pets make places in our hearts that remain long after they cross the Rainbow Bridge. Sounds like Rick has his work cut out for him! Enjoy some warming days and spring flowers!

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Nice weather here, as well. I love the Peter Rabbit and jacket! I haven't been to any garden centres, and since we are STILL in lockdown (it has been extended), I'm not even sure what I'm able to do. But I have plenty of home outdoor projects to keep me busy. Have a great day! -Jenn

Karen said...

What a colorful post. Spring seems to have well and truly arrived here too.

Miss Val's Creations said...

Spring fever has to be one of the best feelings we humans have. So exhilarating! Cottages do have their challenges. It is all worth it though. Henry VIII was quite the character. I loved The Tudors series for that reason. Your old bench is full of charm in both seasons. Adorable photo of you and Gypsy! Happy spring Jeanie!

Martha said...

So glad spring has sprung there. Sorry Rick had so many things to take care of but sounds like he got there just in time! I'm so sorry about your little Marmelade Gypsy, rest in peace sweet baby.

Divers and Sundry said...

What a shame about the issues he encountered :( but I'm glad he was able to get repairs moving quickly. Your book mark is eye-catching. I hope the bench holds up. Painting makes a difference, and I like the idea of red for winter. My mouth is watering for a lemon cookie. Yours look delicious! The Peter Rabbit display is a sweet sight. Our spring has been much cooler than usual, but it's warming up. I'm looking forward to the increasing temps.

Jenny Woolf said...

I'm so glad your spring is there at last Jeanie! Garden centres are such fun, and so tempting, and I'm kind of envious of you with all that planting out. I don't have much space at all of my own. That's a sweet affectionate picture of you and your beautiful Marmelade Gypsy, who had a beloved and happy life.
I was aghast to read about all that Rick had to deal with when he went to open up the cottage, but being Rick it sounds as if he dealt with it all incredibly capably. It's not so long now till you go. How time flies!

Linda Sue said...

Poor Rick stepped into it didn't he! And just in time i would say. The charming photo of you and Marmalade is so lovely. Sweet dear animals.
Oh- and now i am yearning for an outing to get Mexican food. That will have to wait a bit longer- I live so far from real Mexican food! And there is that pesky border to deal with. Beautiful flowers and what a fine nursery you have up there! Gorgeous day out!

gigi-hawaii said...

Sorry to hear about the stuff that needs to be done at the cottage. Yikes! But, that trip to the plant shop must have lifted your spirits. Love all those plants. Have fun with them. And those lemon desserts look splendid.

Barb said...

Oh - lovely spring has arrived for you. Plantings are still just in my imagination at our house. However,my walk today was in glorious sunshine with only a thin fleece to block the wind. Poor Rick - "When it rains it pours", as my Mom used to say. Sounds like some major replacements are coming. Glad you had no major water damage inside!

mel said...

Yes, spring has finally arrived here as well. At long last!! Like you, I feel like I've been left behind with all of the garden chores, all of a sudden everything needs doing. Not that I'm complaining at all...any excuse to go outside and play. :)

Sorry for all the chaos for poor Rick...not the welcoming kind of surprise at all. :(

I do believe I actually dribbled a bit when I read and saw those lemon goodies....I think i'm going to have to investigate further.

Your beautiful Marmalade looks to be the biggest and brightest of souls...ginger cats are like that. What a sweet boy. xo

Salty Pumpkin Studio said...

Sympathy for the sad passing of Marmalade
Glad the cottage is being taken care of. It sounds like a lot of work there. Your baking looks wonderful. Happy Spring!

bobbie said...

<3 to you and your MG ~

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Wow, Marmelade Gypsy was a big cat! And so pretty.

The first trip to open up a cottage usually has a surprise or two. I remember those days well. A big tree down but didn't hit the house. A leak, but not inside. Those are a true blessing and sign that this summer is going to be fantastic!

DUTA said...

In two weeks' time we'll have June, beginning of summer. The heat, unbearable sometimes, is already here.
Your picture with the cat Marmalade Gypsy is very moving!

William Kendall said...

Gypsy was a sweet kitty.

Pam Richardson said...

Jeanie, the lemon goodies look fabulous! I am sorry about the cottage woes, but it sounds like it could have been much worse. Oh the Marmalade Gypsy was so beautiful! Happy Spring!

Mereknits said...

I was just looking at videos of my dear dog Max who passed away 3 1/2 years ago. It still hurts my heart to think of him and how much he is missed. Your flowers look wonderful, sorry there was so much trouble with the cottage. Stay safe.

Marilyn Miller said...

So sad remembering the loss of your Gypsy. Worried right now about my Joey. I have a call into the vets for his runny/slightly bloody nose.
Your lemon goodies look and sound wonderful.
Sorry about all Rick found at the cottage, but glad he was there to take care of things.
Love that you are painting that little found bench for your yard.
Sweet last picture remembering Peter Rabbit.
Your nursery looks amazing!!! It is so fun to visit the nursery this time of year. I have been bringing a few things home lately for pots too. Happy Springtime!!!

My name is Erika. said...

Beautiful weather has arrived here this weekend also. Isn't it fabulous after the long winter? And I'm with you going to the green house for plant shopping. It was wonderful, wasn't it? Have fun with your planting. Too bad about the lake house. Hopefully it wasn't too bad for him. Have a great start to the new week. Hugs-Erika

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Yeah for spring arriving in your area! I am sorry to hear about all of the problems at the lake. Rick is a trooper for sure~

Rustic Pumpkin said...

So full of lovely, waking up to Spring, things {except the maintenance stuff} Personally, my hands would not allow me to hold a book of that size long enough to read the first page, so well done you!

Valerie-Jael said...

Sorry you had to contend with so much damage at the cottage, but I'm sure you'll soon have everything ship-shape and beautiful as always. Love the photo of Lizzie. I#m sure you often think of your Gypsy, I think we never forget our pets, they are family. Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jeanie,
I am sorry for the loss of your sweet Gypsy! Rick sounds like he had a busy time at the cottage, I hope things will be back to normal quickly. We had a large pine tree fall, it just missed our shed. The spring flowers and colors are beautiful, a cheery sight. My hubby does not like Mexican, for me he will eat it once in a while. Take care, have a happy new week!

shoreacres said...

What a wonderful post! Flowers, goodies, sunshine, warm temperatures -- everything that you've been missing. (Well, except for the goodies, I suppose.) It's a shame that Rick found so many complications when he arrived at the cottage, but it's more than a blessing that the water, the tree, and so on didn't do more damage. Better to find and fix now, before it's full cottage season and you have to waste time on such mundane things!

That's an extraordinary garden center. I suppose we have such places, too, but since I don't garden and don't buy plants, I never get close to them. I'm so glad you were able to, and I have total confidence in your ability to keep everything alive and blooming!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

I feel for Rick having to deal with those issues at the cottage. We always shut our water off at the end of the season, so we wouldn't have had to deal with the burst pipe, but on one occasion we arrived to find a tree across the roof. I enjoyed the cottage and my daughter still talks about it, but I am not sorry that I no longer have to keep up two homes. And it is expensive too!

Joanne Huffman said...

mmmmm...lemon and ginger, one of my favorite combinations. Good on Rick for getting the cottage ready. I know you're looking forward to your time there. That's a sweet photo of you and Gypsy. Enjoy the spring weather.

La Table De Nana said...

2 homes..always something:( Gladd all was resolved..can't go wrong w/ Marie recipes..treasure trove..a treasure trove.
And suring everything she continued.
Kusos.
Love your fresh white double chair bench..my own Peter Rabbit garden things bit the dust.all small..except Peter..well a version of Peter..this one is a beauty ..tempted to do this and I might:) Bigger..than my small items.
Glorious season.glorious♥

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I'm so happy for you - spring arriving in north Michigan and you now have the sun! Yeah! Michigan is glorious in the spring and summer but I really hate the cold grey days so much. Looking forward to more of your photos of walks and gardens. My heart was touched with your remembrance of the marmelade gypsy. I still long for my Morris from the 1970's.

R's Rue said...

Yay to Spring.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Oh dear, sorry about the unexpected surprises at the cottage Jeanie, I hope your repairs go smoothly and quickly so you both can relax and enjoy! I'm glad things are finally warming up and you've been out and about with friends. Your bench looks adorable!
Jenna

Lynne said...

Wonderful to weave through your pictures and post.
Always a love because it takes me right into your story . . .

Poor Rick, hope he gets on his bicycle and away from spring upgrade tasks!

Flowering finally. A big smile for me, pansies I purchased days ago,
sat in the sun and warmth and lifted their bright blue faces just for me! So beautiful.
Be careful of your back Jeanie with all the pots and flowers.
Enjoy though, dressing up the outdoors with some color.

May 1 memories of your beautiful Gypsy companion . . .
They never leave us, do they!

Happy Spring Days my friend!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
we are supposed to have temps in the 80's this week. I hope to get to a nursery to buy my annuals once our Grand Pup Faye goes back home when my son and his wife come home from vacation. If the temps. look good for next week, I will plant them. I have other yard work to do but could not do anything with Faye here so I have a lot of catch up on...
Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie

Victoria Zigler said...

I'm glad you're seeing some real Spring weather there at last. Sorry about the issues Rick got to the cottage to find... Hope those are all sorted out now, or will be soon.

*Hugs* I know how hard those anniversaries are, especially for the special ones like your Gypsy was to you.

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

In true Minnesota fashion, it feels like summer today. Should be 80 this afternoon. Kind of hot but I will take that over 40 (which we have had very recently) and it will cool off after today. I am looking forward to getting some hanging plants for our front porch. That is about all we will tackle this year. I want to redo some of the landscaping but this isn’t the year for that with a baby. Maybe next year? We got some fake flowers for our window box. We get a ton of sun on that west facing side of the house. I struggled to keep my hanging plants alive so know the window box needs to be fake. But it looks cheery and I will add to it next year now that I see how they look in the box (we need more height but it’s a start).

Those remembrance days are tough. I have a friend whose cat is dying and I hate to think of going through that with oscar. Although it feels like she isn’t really our cat anymore... but she will be coming back soon - until the winter when she will go back to Joan. So I guess she’s a part time cat but I know Joan loves her company and doesn’t want to get a cat of her own at her age (78). She’s in great health but the ‘what if’ keeps her from getting a cat.

Rita C at Panoply said...

Oh gosh, sorry for all the maintenance issues Rick faced at the cottage. But the good news is yes, spring is definitely here. I went to our open air market yesterday and it was so packed with plants, people and FUN! I love it.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

So nice to see you and your Gypsy! Glad that spring finally seems to have arrived. There IS so much to do when the season finally turns! There were hot air balloons on my early morning walk today, and a white heron high up in the bare branches of a tree. Great way to start the day. Hope it's lovely for you too!

Olka said...

Sometimes it's necessary to slow down. I think I understand what you mean, I also had to slow down a bit recently. But I think I'm ok with that.

All these amazing flowers <3 I also love to buy plants; my whole loggia is full of plants right now! :) I'm glad that spring has finally come.

Oh, all those biscuits look so tasty! I would love to eat them all, but due to my health issues I can no longer eat things like that. Ok, fine I can try from time to time, but definitely not in the first treatment period :( But it's fine, I'll handle it somehow. I just avoid all the confectionery stores, haha :D

Olka said...

Sometimes it's necessary to slow down. I think I understand what you mean, I also had to slow down a bit recently. But I think I'm ok with that.

All these amazing flowers <3 I also love to buy plants; my whole loggia is full of plants right now! :) I'm glad that spring has finally come.

Oh, all those biscuits look so tasty! I would love to eat them all, but due to my health issues I can no longer eat things like that. Ok, fine I can try from time to time, but definitely not in the first treatment period :( But it's fine, I'll handle it somehow. I just avoid all the confectionery stores, haha :D

Gayla said...

Wonderful post! I loved that bench... the more coats of paint, the better it will last outside I think.. isn't it amazing how a date or a turn of the season brings back an image we want to keep but not relive...? So love cats and all they have been for us in our lives... your flower a will be beautiful! Enjoy!

Polly said...

Oh Jeanie, all those things going wrong, glad Rick managed to get a plumber. We had Spring a few weeks ago, it's still mild but lots of rain again. I love your bench. I painted a wooden plant stand today, just finished it as the rain started so I put it in the kitchen to dry.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Too bad there were all the issues at the cottage that Dick had to deal with, but I know you will soon be enjoying your time there, and so will we through your cottage posts, Jeanie. The flowers look wonderful and it is nice to be a le to do favorite things once again.

The French Hutch said...

Oh such a wonderful thing when you realize Spring has finally arrived. So happy you've been to the nursery and found flowers to enjoy. Flowers always make me feel happy. Wow, sorry about the lake house and it's problems. I'm sure Rick was busy lining up a plumber and doing all the maintenance. Just remind him how wonderful time spent there is. Sound like the perfect time to visit the restaurant you enjoy with your friends while Rick is away. No fun going when you have someone who doesn't enjoy it for whatever reason. I remember sweet Gyspy, I know you you still miss Gyspy, always a place in your heart! Hope you enjoy the week.........

Anonymous said...

Jeanie, I am so glad you are starting to feel spring. We went to a new nursery to us also and it was beautiful and fun to get out. I am still wearing the mask inside and around people that I don't know. I just can't seem to understand the reasoning between if you are vaccinated or if you are not. If I wasn't, couldn't I just say I was?? That is why I will still wear the mask. No bother at all. Your nasteriums (sp) look beautiful. I got two little plants at the nursery as I didn't have any luck growing from seed last year and I just love them..Happy Springtime and hope Rick can get things squared away at the cottage and still get to enjoy some sun puddles..xxoJudy

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I am sorry for the sad anniversary day for the loss of your sweet kitty. I lost mine in the same spring we moved to Colorado. So heartbreaking! I wish they could live longer but we gave them all the love in their short lives that we could and they certainly gave us the same.
Sorry so much has to be done at the cottage but I'm glad Rick is there to take care of it all!
I also bought annual flowers but waiting until this week of thunderstorms and occasional hail is finished before I pant them. Everything is so beautifully green here right now!

Pamela said...

You are busy. Spring must be especially nice after the year that was. Love seeing your girl in her sunpuddle!

Sami said...

Lucky that Rick went ahead to the cottage and can do all the repairs before things became worse.
Spring is the best season, love the flowers :)
The lemon goodies look delicious, will have to go and look at the recipes.
A big hug on the anniversary of Gypsy's passing, our pets always leave a mark in our hearts.

Red Rose Alley said...

I see you are getting ready to plant some flowers too. I just got some roses from a neighbor and planted them, and we'll see how they do. : ) Oh, your bench got weathered from the snow! But I really like the Spring wreath you put on there. That is the most unique bench. I've been wanting to get a white rocking chair for my front porch, but they are a bit expensive. Your lemon and gingerbread treats look scrumptious, and I want one with my coffee right now!

~Sheri

Anca said...

I can't say I like Hilary Mantel's style, it was so long that I've stopped reading it, which is strange, as I was studying the period at that time.

It's sad to remember the pets. I got a bit emotional reading about this, as my own dog is elderly, and I understand how hard it is. Sending virtual hugs xx

Danielle L Zecher said...

I know what you mean about the day you lose a pet being one of the hardest. I hope Lizzie made the day a little more bearable for you.

Your lemon baking looks delicious! I'm going to check out that post because I absolutely love lemon.

Ricki Treleaven said...

Can you believe I haven't read any of Mantel's books? Let me know what you think once you're finished with it. Everything is so bright and green in MI! :D

Lowcarb team member said...

Our weather at the moment is wet and windy, I am hoping it will not beat down and blow many of the plants that are currently in bloom ...

Isn't lemon lovely in cooking, just the thought of it and my taste buds are working! LOL!

Have a good week.

All the best Jan

PS I do like the Peter Rabbit and jacket.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

Thanks for sharing the link for the ginger/lemon biscotti, they sound great and I can't wait to give them a try.

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