Sunshine and Above Freezing Temps
This weekend has been quite lovely. Still winter for certain. But we've been enjoying sunshine AND temps that at least creep past the freezing point for the last few days. Of course, that does make for icy sidewalks and--in some cases--streets (definitely our alley), but just looking out the window or stepping onto the back deck or the front steps feels welcoming and downright pleasant.
Yesterday we attended the "Winter Farmer's Market" held in the City Hall Plaza of the Bloomington suburb. Our first experience with them was the December rendition, when we purchased several Christmas gifts as well as victual-type treats for ourselves. We spent much less money this time with no Gifting Needs to cover. But we had a very pleasant time and did pick up a few goodies. I did let one of the artists from whom I'd purchased a few gifts know how much the recipients enjoyed her work. Shortly before we left, Jeff pointed out another artist there from whom he'd purchased a couple of my smaller (but still cherished) gifts. A bit of conversation and discussion with her about one of her new lines of gift just might give us a way to both help her and make a little cash for ourselves if she decides to purchase some components from me. Of course, I have to dig out said components and send her photos--then negotiate prices that will allow her to make profits on her finished products. We shall see how that goes.
Today has been pretty low energy. We watched TV starting with CBS Sunday Morning which had excellent stories, as usual. Then Jeff took us to streaming-land where we watched some Bill Mahr and such, which were pretty interesting. That kind of Sunday is lazy, but informing. This afternoon, we sat on the back deck (sadly: in shade) and enjoyed the temps in the low 40s F with bright sunshine a few yards from the deck. That sunshine striking the few feet of piled snow that covers our back yard multiplied in brightness and made me smile. Crows cussed each other, squirrels played tag-you're-it through the trees and over garage roofs on 6 properties we could watch, and the usual city-noise stayed Out-Of-Town. Finally, Arrow's entreaties persuaded Jeff to take him walking. I stayed in my Back Deck Favorite Chair waving "Have Fun. Goodbye." as they walked away.
Then I came inside to write this post. Yes, My Friends! I deserted the excitement and cool peace of my back deck to communicate with you. That's a little piece of how much you mean to me. I hope you have opportunity to bask in and enjoy a little bit of Winter's Nature and Beauty.
Have a Great rest of this week!
Yesterday we attended the "Winter Farmer's Market" held in the City Hall Plaza of the Bloomington suburb. Our first experience with them was the December rendition, when we purchased several Christmas gifts as well as victual-type treats for ourselves. We spent much less money this time with no Gifting Needs to cover. But we had a very pleasant time and did pick up a few goodies. I did let one of the artists from whom I'd purchased a few gifts know how much the recipients enjoyed her work. Shortly before we left, Jeff pointed out another artist there from whom he'd purchased a couple of my smaller (but still cherished) gifts. A bit of conversation and discussion with her about one of her new lines of gift just might give us a way to both help her and make a little cash for ourselves if she decides to purchase some components from me. Of course, I have to dig out said components and send her photos--then negotiate prices that will allow her to make profits on her finished products. We shall see how that goes.
Today has been pretty low energy. We watched TV starting with CBS Sunday Morning which had excellent stories, as usual. Then Jeff took us to streaming-land where we watched some Bill Mahr and such, which were pretty interesting. That kind of Sunday is lazy, but informing. This afternoon, we sat on the back deck (sadly: in shade) and enjoyed the temps in the low 40s F with bright sunshine a few yards from the deck. That sunshine striking the few feet of piled snow that covers our back yard multiplied in brightness and made me smile. Crows cussed each other, squirrels played tag-you're-it through the trees and over garage roofs on 6 properties we could watch, and the usual city-noise stayed Out-Of-Town. Finally, Arrow's entreaties persuaded Jeff to take him walking. I stayed in my Back Deck Favorite Chair waving "Have Fun. Goodbye." as they walked away.
Then I came inside to write this post. Yes, My Friends! I deserted the excitement and cool peace of my back deck to communicate with you. That's a little piece of how much you mean to me. I hope you have opportunity to bask in and enjoy a little bit of Winter's Nature and Beauty.
Have a Great rest of this week!