Spring Break

Well, spring break week has been and almost gone. The last time we had a spring break with actual spring weather was about 12 years ago, before I was pregnant with Emma. I remember this because Rob and I spent the entire week clearing underbrush from wooded areas of our property. Then we had Emma and for a few years, all that outside work seemed to grind to a halt. 

But this week has been glorious. Really, a bit too warm for my taste --I prefer working in the garden in the 50's and 60's, rather than 70's and 80's, but I'd be a fool to complain :-) Even though I started spring break with a zinger of a head cold, by Tuesday I was human again. 

--I was able to clean up several garden beds, cutting back last years seed heads and exposing new green growth to the sunlight. Things are moving way too fast (the crocuses were up and finished in two days, exhausted from the unbelievably warm March weather). I hope we'll cool off a bit so the spring bulbs will last a bit longer.

--I was able to clean myself up --I desperately needed a haircut, and after that I needed to color back in those two inches of gray roots showing. My students might not recognize me when I step back into the classroom on Monday.

--I was able to clean the house up. Between the stomach flu and this head cold, it had been several weeks since I was able to do even the routine cleaning. I don't worry about housework too much, but I do think vacuuming should be done more often than twice a month. We now have clean bathrooms, clean clothes, and clean floors.

--I was able to clean my car. It was completely crusted over with salt, so I took it on a little ride. Car wash and oil change both completed, and Emma's seat has been thoroughly vacuumed for crumbs.

--I was able to order Emma some shorts. This weather did take us by surprise, and thank goodness Emma had one pair of cut-off jeans from summer that still (barely) fit.  I'm sure the new ones will show up just as more normal March temperatures return.

My dad had a bad week, but at least I had time to talk to my mom on the phone, to offer whatever support I could from afar. He had a nose bleed that just wouldn't stop --they tried cauterizing, packing, and after the third middle-of-the-night trip to the ER, he's been admitted and they're going to try surgery. My mom was okay on the phone, and while we talked I ordered her some new bath towels (she said my dad has bled into most of theirs) and some chocolate (she relies on him to do any shopping, since she can't really walk anymore and said she really needed chocolate --that's a need I can relate to!). Both will take a few days to arrive, but at least then she won't have to worry about going somewhere to buy them herself. My brother (who lives near them) has been really helpful, so my plan is to get something for him too, but I haven't figured out what that should be yet.

It's going to be so weird to go back to school Monday! This weather makes it feel like summer, and I'm just not mentally in the semester anymore. I guess Monday will be quite a wake-up call.