Joy Is. . .

The first asparagus of spring.

In case you both like asparagus and are not growing them in your back yard, you really should consider doing so. It is very easy, though requires several years before you have a steady, consistent production. They are low maintenance and are so much better than what you can buy in the stores. I won't even buy asparagus in the store anymore. I make myself wait until they grow in my garden. The anticipation is so delicious. As is the final product.

Do you see what I see?!?

Or TOTAL JOY!

First of all, it was beautiful today. The quality of the light is changing toward springish.

I slept horribly (if at all), then got up, did the usual Friday Starbucks for the kids, walk Lauren to class, and then I dropped the buddy off so that I could go to the dentist and the chiropractor by myself. So, I took advantage of his being at school and went out for a LOVELY five mile run followed by six strides. Was great. Then, I picked him up, we went to lunch, and then hit the grocery store before driving home.

He wanted popcycles. Fine. So, we got popcycles and played outside:

When the school kids came home on the school bus, the weather was nice enough that we all decided to play in the street - moms and kids. We hadn't seen each other since our neighborhood cruise to the Bahamas.

But, the BEST (!!!!) was as I was going in, I spied this:

Remember back just a few days when I talked about anticipation? Well, this is what I was most craving. The first flower of the year. My heart skipped a few beats. She is on her way.

Spring.