Yesterday we took advantage of the “warmer” day and did a much needed cleaning up of the front yard. Having trees is a wonderful thing but they do drop a lot of small branches. This is only one of the three wheelbarrowfuls of sticks that we collected. Instead of tossing them in the woods we put them in our kindling box for next year’s fire-starting stash. The way the weather has been going of late we may use some of them up this coming week!

The weather seems confused. It wants to be spring; I truly believe it does. Maybe it just doesn’t remember. Yesterday was in the high 40’s with mixed sun and clouds. A chilly breeze made it feel cooler than it actually was, but when the sun came out strong for a few minutes it felt nice and warm. Warm enough to shed our jackets while we worked.

The trees seem to think spring is imminent and have popped their buds. I hope they are not being too hasty as our temperatures are supposed to dip again this week, forcing us to wear scarves and gloves again.

After the yard work we came back inside and I made some Breakfast Bread, better known in our house as “Sylvie Bread.” (Sylvie Lallemand, a friend of ours, runs a cooking school in Provence. She made this bread for breakfast every day when we attended her school.)

A dense whole wheat bread sprinkled with sesame seeds, it’s best toasted under the broiler instead of a toaster and topped with butter and honey. (My breakfast this morning!)

Other happenings over the weekend included walks with the dogs and practicing Bella’s obedience lesson. And, it looks like I will have to start my Spanish lessons back up again since we will be returning to Mexico in early May. This time we will be visiting Rick’s parents who are staying in the old colonial town of San Miguel de Allende for a few months. Can’t wait! If you follow the link you’ll see why I am not leaving my camera at home! Olé!

My cacti are going berserk! They were all just in bloom around the Thanksgiving time frame, and have all decided that now is a good time to bloom, again! I’ve never had this happen before. First one started showing buds, then the one next to it, until they all joined in. Do you think it’s contagious?

Now don’t get me wrong—I am not complaining. No siree. They are a welcome burst of color in an otherwise dull-colored winter scene. But why? I have salmon, fuchsia, white, and a paler shade of pink (not quite out yet).

My amaryllis decided to send up another spray of flowers as well. The first spray held only three frilly flowers, while this last one had four.

Just thought I’d share some of my color with you in case your skies are as grey as mine are today! (Note: photos were taken a few days ago when we had a nice blue sky.)

If anyone has any thoughts as to why my cacti are confused please let me know!

My very own snow pasta machine.

Fallen ice cathedral.

First of all, this photo of Bella. She is living up to her name don’t you think?

Yesterday the dogs had a great time playing and romping in the snow and I had an equally great time photographing them. See for yourself!

Here is Bella being herself.

Bella says “Look at me! I can be a rearing horse.” And I am just thinking stay in the frame Bella, please.

Hailey says to Bella “I can roar snow at you, look out!”

“Catch me if you can Bella,” says Hailey!

Hailey makes her getaway.

The snow has stopped, the sun is out and we have gorgeous blue skies this morning. But, we also have 9 inches of fresh, fluffy snow (not snowman-making snow!) and a temperature of 11 degrees F at 9:00 a.m. With the wind that’s blowing the wind chill factor is probably close to zero. Not very nice outside right now. I must admit, I do love winter but even I am getting just a tad bit tired of bitterly cold temperatures and yes, snow. I can’t believe I just admitted to being tired of snow. Me? The ultimate “I Love Snow” Girl? But there you have it.

Bella, on the other hand, thinks the snow and cold are just normal. She doesn’t really know any different. Look out, mom, here I come!