At Home: Making Merry in March

It's time to take another break from the England posts and do a little home catch-up. Overall, late February and March have  been a good months for the most part. We are beginning to see signs of spring, indoors and out. And while I'm not so naive to believe that winter is done rearing its ugly head for good, knowing that warmer days, bluer skies and beautiful blooms are on the way is a mood lift to be sure!

Things started out (in late February, actually) with a little less than good news. After my fall, I'd gone into Afib again. That meant I needed a cardio version, which is basically shocking my heart back into submission. (Think of a medical show when they put paddles on you and yell "Clear!" That's the procedure, though now they use sticky pads instead of paddles, but that's the gist of it.) Since then, all has been well, back in rhythm! Those days were brightened up by a surprise bouquet of flowers from a dear friend. They lasted almost three weeks and the two carnations are still going strong in a smaller vase!

One of the best parts of late February was attending a concert by Onur Alkavuklar, one of Rick's classical guitar-playing friends, with a local symphony orchestra. They played a Rodrigo concerto and I wish I had a video to share with you, it was that beautiful.

The whole evening was absolutely magnificent, apart from the fact that some woman in the front row had her toddlers there, who decided that was the perfect time to wander around in front of the stage. Onur didn't drop a note but the conductor -- after about five minutes of this -- stepped off the podium and had a word with the woman, who shortly left with her band of kids. (All, I'd guess, seven or under in age). After, Rick had a very impromptu gathering -- one of those "c'mon over!" things -- with Onur and his wife's family along with a couple other guitar fans. It was a total delight.

As for big fun, I headed east to London, Ontario to visit my friend Suzanne and do my best to support Canada, which is going through a world of political and economic hurt in their dealings with the US. I figured spreading a little international good will was not a bad idea (and besides, I wanted some supportive Canadian t-shirts and flags! And there is a great used bookstore there!). So, we did a bit of shopping. I loved going to Covent Garden, a covered market with loads of foodstuffs, gifts, veggies and blooms!

There was a fun mural there, so I thought I'd add it to the Mural Monday list!

On top of this, Suzanne and I were celebrating belated Christmas and doing our annual bookstore visits! And of course, lunch at Tim Horton's!

It was a grand visit with good dinners out and good ones in, including this lovely wine cake Suzanne made.

It's an old Trader Joe recipe. If you like wine and cake, you might like this one! I did!

Old friends. Can't beat 'em!

The Ditch is waking up and I'm seeing plenty of ducks and geese. No Harry the Heron yet, but he'll be back! (Late breaking news on the neighborhood FB page says he already is -- I just haven't seen him yet.)

The critters were having loads of fun on my visits. Most of the ice has gone out, except on the shadier of the ponds, the ones more blocked by the woods. The geese don't seem to mind!

 

There's plenty of water if they need it. I expect nest building soon

Harry, we're ready for you!

 

Despite snow on the first day of spring (nothing major) and chilled temps, it is officially spring! 

 And that means there is more fun to come!

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