A week of firsts

It seems strange that this week could have been so beautiful after the events of the last couple weeks, but perhaps it's fitting. On Wednesday, Christian and the puppies and I took our first evening walk through my neighborhood. I felt like skipping. I skipped everywhere when I was a kid, and it was one of those evening where it just seemed appropriate. I didn't of course, because it would get the dogs wound up, but I was skipping in my head. The weather was still cool, but the fact that we willingly went outside at 8 pm should speak for itself. Also on Wednesday, by basil seeds finally sprouted. Nothing for either of the peppers yet, except an outbreak of little flying bugs. Oh well, I still have hope and I'm excited about the basil. Last night, in a very fitting celebration of the first day of spring, I exchanged the empty propane tank, BBQed some black bean burgers, and put the chair cushions out on the patio for happy hour. Becky and Norah stopped by and we hung out on the patio all evening. It's such a relief that those days are back or at least soon to be back on a regular basis. On my run Tuesday, the daffodils looked like they were about ready to burst, and sure enough, this morning when we were walking the dogs I saw a whole row of beautiful yellow daffodils in bloom in front of a house. Although thunderstorms and hail are promised for the afternoon, spring is definitely here and hopefully the hope and excitement that comes with it. I am truly trying to live each day to the fullest and keep Pat in my mind everyday. His funeral on Monday was incredible - incredibly sad but so inspiring. Margaret gave me some beautiful flowers from the service that can be replanted. The hydrangea is gorgeous and I'm hoping I can keep it alive until I can find a fitting permanent home for it. Along those lines, I think I'll head off the library for a gardening book. I need all the help I can get!