We did it.
We survived the great climactically boring winter of 2003.
AND we did it with a baby.

(Yes, everyone knows all about Bella. Who couldn't? We gush about her every damn moment. But it's one of those life changing experiences that you have to step back every once in awhile and grin with pleasure. Spring is such a great time to do that....I mean the whole stepping back thing....)

OK, back to thawing out.

Ed remarked a couple of times at how high our heating bill was this winter. Couple of things: have a baby, must keep house warmer, and secondly, I think that a lot of people have forgotten how damn cold this winter was. Not a lot of snow, but jesus! days upon days of frigid weather.

We're also getting ready for some major landscape renovation in the back yard. It wasn't too tough a decision to hire someone. The whole issue of time/money/skill decided the whole factor. (Not that Ed wouldn't have minded buying more power tools).

Just think (if the weather cooperates) I can be sitting out on the deck in about 2 weeks sipping an ice cold one. Magic. I don't think that's something that I would be able to do if it were just Ed and I building the deck.

I have to admit that Ed surprised me in suggesting that "If we're gonna do the back yard, let's do it ALL up!" (I'm paraphrasing of course). So! In addition to hiring a contractor for the deck construction, we've brought in a friend of ours, Ted Nelson, to put together a landscaping design. It looks great on paper. I'll make sure to document the whole process....stay tuned.

One last thought, as you're getting ready to put away your long underwear and take the first few strolls outside in shorts with your embarrasingly pale legs, take a moment to reflect on this past winter and think about the, "taste of adversity"....it makes the flower buds and fresh spring breezes around you seem all the sweeter.

April, 2003