BLENDING FEBRUARY AND MARCH

Winter had it's beauty, but as those short, dark days began to blend into the hope of spring it seemed there was an ebb and flow of sunny days and new snow, and the waiting was becoming disheartening.
The tulips poked their noses from the frozen earth only to be blanketed again and again with snow.
And after the mountains of snow began to melt away they only revealed truckloads of sand and grime that swirled around the city in the March winds.
Amongst this bleak season I also had a season of rest from blogging and face book, and in that space the liturgical season of lent blew into my spirit with fresh discovery of God's incredible mercy and hope in His intimate journey with me towards Easter, on its canvas painted in horrific sacrifice flowing into brilliant resurrection.

My stone cold must have attracted a fluffy, stray bunny that stared me down as he enjoyed the succulent fresh tulip tips.

Sparkling Hills Spa Resort in Vernon, so close to home but such a beautiful place to celebrate birthdays and Valentines Day. Truly the most calm, serene and relaxing two days in the bleak of winter, and to our delight the sun came out to lift the fog to reveal our gorgeous Okanagan Lake.

The birthday boy began his day with his master chef omelettes. Later in his day the sweet surprise visit from our 12 year old beauty.

Thanks to Mennonite Girls Can Cook recipes I created this scrumptious Strawberry/balsamic pizza for a stay at home Valentines supper.

February is Apple month and we love BC tree fruit's market for their many choices of my favourite fruit. Apple Sharlotka was one delicious way to use some of these rosy delights.

Discovering a heart in an unusual place. 

The Rotary bird sanctuary on Okanagan Lake was a lovely spot for a walk with a grandson.  Loved his expression 'adorable' for the ducks that communicated eye to eye with him.

Soaking in chilly sunshine

Spring break - an opportunity to have two granddaughter who are loving cousins over for a baking day. They each mixed, baked and decorated a dozen cupcakes that were expressions of their artistic skills. So much laughter and joy and their excitement to share their sweet treats with their families.

Love these girls  so much, and all of our other 8 grandkids.

To add to their list of baking skills they made pizza dough from scratch and nibbled away while watching an episode of the inspiring TV show Master Chef Junior. 

Why not end our dreary winter and the hope of spring with a flash of colour. 

Welcome Miss Scarlet !!

It’s spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you’ve got it, you want — oh, you don’t quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain, Tom Sawyer, Detective