See all the mud on Ellie's sleeves and knees and shoes and Baby? You might be wondering how she got her shirt so dirty while wearing a coat. BECAUSE SHE WASN'T WEARING ONE. And neither was Jack. And neither was I!
We had a fabulous week of weather last week, hanging around the 50's with sunshine most days; we made it outside at least three or four times for long walks and trips to the park. It was utterly rejuvenating. Eric and I both described it to each other as feeling as though we were coming out of hibernation. Us, and the rest of northern society. I forgot there were so many kids in our neighborhood! The parks were busy and the streets were filled with kids playing hockey and basketball and learning to ride bikes. It was glorious. I can't even describe how good it felt to get out and breathe fresh air, to feel the warmth of the sun on my head and shoulders as I walked rather than the usual chatter of my teeth. The kids loved being outside and getting to play baseball and soccer, and running up and down the sidewalks and around the yard, and trying new and daring things at the park (special tricky ladder for Jack and the slide for Ellie); I'm sure it did them good to be in the sun, too. It felt like hope after a long season on doubt, if that makes any sense. Like coming up for air after being under water too long.
When Ellie fell in my neighbor's yard and got all muddy I just laughed. I loved it. Loved that she loved it, that she didn't cry but rather stood up fascinated by this new substance on her hands and face and clothes and Baby. It's DIRT, people. Good for the soul. Part of childhood. Something we haven't seen for so many months that my daughter was actually fascinated by it.
As I scrubbed the dirt out of her clothes the smell made me long for spring even more. For the glimpses of flowers around the neighborhoods, for the hue of green to arrive and deepen as buds begin to emerge and the grass comes alive once again. For color anywhere in nature--how I miss color! For warm breezes and winds that cool you but don't make you shudder uncontrollably. I am so ready for spring!
Of course, it snowed today. Back into our cave we go, with the hope still alive, but diminishing with every snowflake that sticks to the ground...come Spring! Come!
4 comments:
Well this is just downright pitiful! ;) You guys need to move... TO FLORIDA!! ( wink, wink) I'm wishful thinking is all... happy Spring! Enjoy it... i remember that feeling WELL and I'm sure it's all the more so when you have kids who need to run!
PS- will try to call you later but i have soccer soon and had to get some stuff done during naps and you know me, can't think and talk... I will call you back soon, though!!!!!
I love Spring too, it is wonderful. I think I would die if I lived up north, I cannot fathom being that cold all the time. Your blood must be so thick!
Im so glad you are enjoying this lovely weather, hoping it returns to you soon!
Hi, I am Kim's friend, jenn and I live in Jax. with Kim-right down the street. But I used to live in Chicago and I know exactly how you feel. When I moved from sunny Florida to Chicago and it snowed on Halloween, I thought my world was over. Now as an adult living in Florida I sometimes long for a somewhat cold winter! We haven't even had anything that resembles a winter this year. Reast assure Spring will be there before you know it!
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