Signs of Life

  There are still piles of snow here and there but, in the warmer spots, things are starting to appear. I cleared a pile of pine cones and needles from the deck where it is south facing, so it is a little tidier out there.

Still early days but these could be daffodils.

And possibly some tulips. You can see the ground is still very wet from the melted snow.

   I had a lovely pre-prandial snack tonight - a slice of yesterday's soda bread with cream cheese and smoked salmon. I have cooked an eggplant casserole and a chicken leg for dinner but may save them for tomorrow.

Erin Go Bragh!

     A soda bread for St. Patrick's Day tomorrow. This was a first attempt for me and I have to say it turned out really well. Can't wait to take a bite out of it!

   Watching tennis from Indian Wells, California and a Canadian is in the semi-final. So far they have split the first two sets so it is nail-biting time. They are both big servers (Raonic and Theim) so there aren't too many long rallies. Both sets so far went to tie breaks.

    I was back in my winter coat today and there have been a few flurries but also some sun. It's as if Mother Nature is reluctant to let go of winter. Personally I will be glad to see the back of it.  

Bored!

    Last Fitness class for 3 weeks today - don't know what I will do with myself on Wednesday and Friday mornings until they start up again. Pickleball was cancelled this afternoon as the community centre was being used for students' programs during March Break but will be back next week as will my Tuesday Bridge. Luckily I have a good book to read, "In the Midst of Winter" by Isabel Allende. It is the April selection for my book club. The March book, "Bellevue Square", I have already read and didn't enjoy - very confusing -  so, 'nuff said.

   I made some shortbread cookies this afternoon - I am on treats at dance group on Monday - and they are in the freezer to prevent nibbling! I will make one other treat on the weekend, probably brownie or some sort of squares. 

   Sad news, my favourite foodie magazine, Ricardo, is calling it quits and I received the last edition today. They will continue with a French version (it's from Quebec) but I have decided to take the offered refund. I will miss it.

The food photos are all tantalizing!

   

Getting Greener

   Patches of green beginning to show here and there and the thermometer almost registered double digit numbers this afternoon - there was even a blink of sun! Tonight we have been promised rain and a thunder storm. That should clean things up considerably. I have given up wearing my winter coat and will just shiver in my Spring jacket from now on.

   Tennis this morning and I was the big winner with two sets to the good. I had good partners! Several errands to complete on my way home but by lunch time everything was done and it has been a quiet afternoon. One gripe - our sports channel has been showing tennis matches from Indian Wells all week (still a couple of Canadians playing) but I haven't been home to watch. Now that I had an afternoon at home, nothing was on! Murphy's Law! Quite appropriate I suppose as we approach St. Patrick's Day.