Hoping it continues

 Good morning!

We have sunshine again, three days in a row, and the temp is going up, just keeping the fingers crossed it will remain the same, and not revert back to some cooler winter type of weather.   It is still April so we can expect almost anything and everything.

Flowers are blooming, daffodils, pansies and cultivated primroses.  The forsythia is blooming also, which means the ground is getting warmer, that must be the reason for the dandelions too, which are attracting some early butterflies.  The magnolia and ornamental fruit trees are showing definite signs of forthcoming flowers.   Hoping it continues.    

On Thursday I delivered three of my quilting projects to a quilt show, which was held Friday and Saturday.  I needed to pick up the projects at a certain time after the show, however, I went earlier to see all of the beautiful works of art done with fabric, needle and thread.   Was not disappointed as the display of quilts was spectacular.   I was asked to help take down the displays and was more than happy to do that, as I was able to get up close and personal with those quilts.  

Sunday was the last day of the Masters golf tournament, I am not a golfer but like to watch.   This year all of the flowers on the course were out in full bloom, beautiful.  When I attended the Masters with my son and DIL several years ago, all of the Azaleas had bloomed early due to a very early Spring, so none of them looked as lovely as the ones yesterday.    Watched this year's with my ex at his house, after the winner had been given the green jacket, he cooked a steak on the BBQ.   He needs to know the reason why, soap and water, vacuums and dust cloths were invented or that will be the last time I visit.  There is absolutely no excuse as to why those things cannot be used.  Not a priority, I guess. 

Monday, Monday I go and get my income taxes done, I went last week, however, the young man helping me did not have enough experience to take care of the details in mine, another person will be doing it today.  Time is running out as it needs to be done by the end of April.   After that is done, it will be lunch time, then I am going for a nice walk to the local park it is just too nice to stay in.  

Have a great day

Cheers

Once in a lifetime

When I got up yesterday, it was cloudy and it had rained, Oh no, it is going to be a big disappointment for a lot of people.  Everyone was hoping for a lovely sunny day, the excitement had been building for days and days and now clouds.

As the morning progressed more blue sky could be seen and by noon hour, yes, lovely sunshine.  

All the preparations, extra policing staff, roads closed and some opened for all of the expected flow of traffic to converge into the area.  The special viewing glasses had sold out days ago.   Schools were closed,  restaurants opened early and I am sure stayed open late to feed and water the many people who were making a full day of  it.   Families made it a party/picnic day, and the television stations were running programs for hours on end to document this event.

Now, we wait.  The sun had a lot of heat in it and the temp rose to a high of 17*C  it could not have been any perfect for this once in a lifetime event.  And, we wait.

It's time,  the sun was not so bright as it was, over time, twilight, then it became darker and  darker, stars were shining.   It's cold, so cold I had to put an extra cardigan on.  Street lights came to life, and the birds stopped singing.  It's quiet, the workers putting up a nearby building had to stop doing their job.  It's so very quiet.  It's so very surreal.   

If this is happening in 2024 and we all know the reason why, it makes me wonder, what did people think was happening years and years ago when they had absolutely no idea.  I am sure they were thinking it was the end of the world.    So back to April 8 2024.

The sky was black but, in the distance it appeared to be sunset the sky was pink, orange and red.  Then very slowly it started to get lighter and lighter, no stars, all the lights when out and now sunshine again, and the temperature began to rise.

A total eclipse of the sun.  

Now, today April 9, 2024, the sun is shining again as it does, and it won't get dark until this evening. Everything is back to normal, children in school, people going about their normal daily lives, the birds are singing, construction workers on the job site working.  

All the photos have been viewed, and now the special viewing glasses have been stowed away as a souvenir of a once in a lifetime experience.   A total eclipse of the sun.  

Have a great day

Cheers.  

Lovely weekend

Back to a normal routine today.  On holiday weekends I never know what day it is, especially when everything is closed for Good Friday, and it feels as if it should be a Sunday. Then yesterday, Monday it is anyone's guess what was open or closed.

On Friday, DD2 came for a visit and gave me an Easter Lily for my March flowers, (flowers every month for a year, Christmas gift).  They were going to be busy helping their DD2 to move on the weekend, so would not be home for Easter.  The evening pot luck dinner was a big success, with dishes of food that I would not normally prepare, a great chance to try something new, which may end up on my own dinner plate some time.  The company and conversation is very welcome too.

Saturday's bbq at DD1's was lovely.  It was raining and cool, so the meal was prepared outside and eaten in the dining room.  Five of my great grands were there and I must say their Mum is doing a fantastic job in raising those children.    They range in age from 5 to 14 years,  and when it was time to set the table they all helped with not even being asked.  Lined up in the kitchen each one took something to place on the table, making several trips back and forth until the task was complete.  The same procedure after the first course, dirty dishes, serving bowls, etc. off to the kitchen and on their return trip, dessert course in hand.  After the meal, everything back into the kitchen and the 7 year old, picked up the dish towel and started to dry dishes, no dishwasher in the house. 

An Easter egg hunt in the house proved to be a bit hectic for a little while, however, everyone found a little treat.

Sunday and theatre time.  Have you ever played the board game "Clue"?  The play with the same name was the last one of the theatres performances until October.   It was fantastic, one of the best ones I have seen.   A revolving set with all of the rooms in the mansion, where the murders took place, great professional actors, lots of laughs, a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.  

Monday, was a beautiful sunny day, a lovely day for a walk, so off a local park, just a bit too early yet for any of the trees and shrubs to show any leaves, however, I did notice the buds swelling on the rhododendrons.  Sitting a bench soaking up some Vitamin D, I was approached by a woman who wanted to do the same thing and we had a nice conversation, solving all of the world's problems.  Cooling down as the afternoon sun was on its downward trip, I made my way back home.  Trivia night upstairs and our team won.  These nights really make you feel as if you don't know very much after all.

Today, I will be doing some errands and, visiting a friend.   April showers this morning and for several more days this week.    As the saying goes, "April showers, bring May flowers".

Have a great day

Cheers.