Signs of Spring

After an unusually cold and snowy winter, spring is finally here!





















Our hanging flower basket on the porch has become a home to a mother wren and 4 newly hatched baby birds. The are so tiny and scrawny and every time they sense any movement they struggle to lift those big heads with their scrawny necks and open their mouths wide for nourishment. We never get tired of miracles like these.


We are trying ONCE AGAIN to plant a garden. We have been mostly unsuccessful the 13 years that we have live in VA. We built some beds in the 2 small spots of sun we have in our back yard.









We've planted basil, parsley, cilantro, dill, sage, green beans, bell peppers, pickling cucumbers, tomatoes and oregano. We're keeping our fingers crossed!



In other family news, Robbie ran the 50 yard dash and did a softball throw in the Special Olympics









He also had his spring concert with his middle school orchestra








Kirstin competed in a swim meet. She did the butterfly and breast strokes.










Aidan had topsy turvy day at preschool. He especially liked the green fingernail polish!



















Last but not least, Mom had her knee surgery. After strenuous exercise for the past 3 months, she finally tore her meniscus- a crescent shaped cartilage pad in the knee. The surgery called an arthroscopy was performed to cut away the torn tissue, but during operation Dr. Wind found a spot on the knee where the cartilage had worn away and performed a chrondoplasty as well. A chrondoplasty is a procedure where several tiny holes are drilled into the bone to promote blood flow and encourage scar tissue to form to replace the cartilage. In order for the operation to be a success, Mom must refrain from putting any pressure on that knee for six weeks. This requires the use of crutches and greatly restricts her movements and activities. Mom feels a little overwhelmed and wonders if the kids are really up to taking on the lion's share of household chores. We shall see.....