Springtime in Virginia

Achoo! Okay, there, I feel better now...for a minute, anyway! I had forgotten what Spring was like in Virginia, I have to say. But, the weather is so delicious, crisp and clean and green and smelling of freshly mown lawns and all the yummy earthy smells I've missed so much, that a few sneezes here and there and a stuffy nose doesn't bother me that much. Okay, so I could do without the sinus headaches, especially as I can't take antihistamines. That part, not so good!

I'm growing tomatoes and green peppers in my garden, the first one I've had since 2004 when my beautiful garden in Florida was uprooted by Hurricane Ivan. I never planted another one there, which was a good thing because of the yearly hurricanes. I had a few plants in pots that I would drag in when we had to evacuate, but that was about it. So, I'm loving the deep color and scent of the Virginia soil and have added quite a few plants to my garden, including snapdragons (soooo much fun to play with!), pansies, marigolds, jasmine, and although I'm a bit late with it, I'm about to add moonflowers and morning glories to the mix. Just call me Farmer Carey :).

In other news, for those of you who don't know, I became the grandmother of a beautiful baby girl this past February. Yes, me! Good heavens...! She and her mother came and stayed with us for a month, and I was in baby and kid heaven, especially as my other kids came home to meet their new niece. It was back to baby baskets, wearing Eau de Barf, soft baby blankets, and washing with Dreft detergent. Yes, babies do smell as heavenly as they used to, especially after their baths! As you can see, I've included a picture of the newest addition to our family. Isn't she gorgeous?! Okay, so I'm a bit prejudiced - but, she is, isn't she?! She reminds me of her mother at that age. She loves it when I sing to her; she smiles at me and tries to sing along. I miss seeing her now that they have gone back home to another state, but I'm happy just knowing she's on the planet and that her mother is taking such wonderful care of her. I have to say, there's nothing quite like watching your child mother their child.

In music news, Granger and I played at a new cafe, Wild Rose, last night and had a great time. The audience was wonderful, the food was delicious as always, and we were pulling stuff out the yin-yang - old originals like Satisfy Me and Soft Side Of Me, some cover tunes like Willin' by Little Feat, and assorted other material. We're playing there again next week, and are looking forward to it. If you're in the area, please do come by and hang out with us.

I was supposed to be in Texas today, but unfortunately family commitments altered my plans. My dear friend and traveling companion, David Alberding, and I were making the trek to the Kerrville Folk Festival where we had planned to meet up with friends, make great music, have a fabulous time, and get back into this area next Wednesday. David has made the trek on his own, and will be giving my regards to everyone. However, my sister is coming to town from L.A. this weekend, and I'm looking forward to that. We plan to spend the week visiting and generally doing sisterly things together. Like shopping! Yay! (I can almost see Granger cringing from here!) I definitely plan to make the trip to Kerrville next year. In the meantime, I'll be wearing my frog watch and official kamp tee shirt this weekend in honor of my Kerrville kampmates.

Well, I'm off to join Granger for dinner, so see you next time!