The windows are open and a lovely cool breeze is blowing through the house. It’s taking the stale, closed-up air of winter and lifting it up, up and away, and bringing the crisp, fresh air of spring inside. It’s a heady scent indeed! When I look out the front windows my eyes are blinded by yellow. The forsythia hedge has finally decided it’s alright to bloom. Every day since our return it’s opened a bit more. I like the fractured view of it through our front door [above]. And here against our picket fence, it looks like a big gap-toothed grin. Maybe not to you, but it sure makes me want to smile back.

Last week this time I was leaving for Las Vegas in 30-ish degree weather. Today I sit here typing while the temperature soars to above 80° outside. I finally feel like the pool opening on May 11th isn’t so silly after all. Of course the trees aren’t out yet, so we will have to deal with their pollen in the pool, but that’s a small matter. I like doing the Daily Scoop anyway. It’s relaxing and a good mini workout for my upper arms.

Yesterday we worked in they yard. Rick touched up our metal outdoor furniture with some new black spray paint, and now they look next-to-new. I raked out the big flower bed/rock garden by the pool of all the dead leaves that had been left as a winter mulch. What a job! But I was rewarded by seeing how much the daylilies were up, the jonquils about to bloom, and these tender fern sprouts were also hiding under their leafy bed. Soon they will be lush and green. It’s still amazing to me that ferns actually grow in my yard.

I am still trying to come down off the high of Las Vegas last week. We were constantly on the go. It seems strange to have to drive myself somewhere, and stranger yet, to cook again. Seems like all we did was walk, eat, and drink [not necessarily in that order]. We had a great time and I’m already planning my trip next year. I’ll be bringing more of Vegas to you through my thoughts and photos throughout the week. I have a few short films to share as well, but first we want to figure out You Tube since a few of you are having difficulty with the QuickTime films. If all films start playing concurrently when you open my blog, there are settings within QuickTime to fix that. I just need to ask Rick tonight exactly what they are. So, stay tuned for more of Vegas.

Until then I’ll bring a little yellow sunshine into your lives! Breathe in deeply; inhale spring!