THE PROBLEM WITH PRIMA DONNAS

Well, there's nothing like being caught in the middle of a big ol' tug-o-war between three "specialists", who all seem to be mostly concerned with who's stepping on whose toes, rather than with the fact that my poor hubby's blood pressure has been creeping steadily up again, ever since that dang pacemaker was installed -- to the point that he is at risk of having another stroke. Just when I thought I could breathe again!
  

'TIS THE SEASON...

 For Getting Nipped In The Bud!

Our Little Peach Tree

Par for the course, all those delightfully sunny days with temps in the seventies, which we often get this time of year, tricked many of our trees and shrubs into believing that spring was here to stay, though the calendar said it was still early February.

My beloved Red Buckeye, which we thought had croaked over the summer.

Then, of course, the temperatures turned upside down -- another common occurrence hereabouts.

Native Agaritas, which are about to send the delicious scent of honey wafting throughout the Texas Hill Country.

Fingers crossed everyone, in hopes that our night temps continue to stay just above freezing, until spring does, in fact, make its appearance!

One of Hubby's mystery plants.

GIVING BIRTH, AND LETTING GO

 
Well, it certainly wasn't an easy decision, but I have finally come to the conclusion that it's time for me to step down from the board of The Bountiful Sprout. Hard to believe it's been five or so years now since I walked into that first organizational meeting -- just looking for a way to hook up with local growers and producers, but finding so much more.

The problem is, there's just way too much going on in my life these days, and as I've told you many times before, I am NOT a multi-tasker. I've lost all that zip and drive that I had, for changing the way the world eats, back when I first volunteered, and I suspect others who have been on board since the get-go are feeling the same way.

It's time for us to bring in some new blood -- people who are just as ga-ga about it as we all used to be, and who have exciting new ideas, and want to get in there and work to make them happen! It's a truly wonderful organization, which has done much to bring our local farmers and producers in touch with the people in their community who wish to eat fresh, local, healthy foods -- enabling them to set their own prices, and keep 92% of what they bring in. It would be such a shame if we were to let things fall apart, just because we didn't know when to pass the torch, now wouldn't it?

One thing I have certainly not grown tired of, however, is all the wonderful food that has come into our house via those TBS baskets -- food that I was able to select myself on their website, rather than having to settle on whatever was chosen for me. Most of all, I loved the way it transformed me from someone who assembled ingredients from cans and packages, into someone who actually cooks, and enjoys doing it! Which is why I will continue to be a shopping member, for just as long as they will let me.

ONCE UPON A TIME

 
Thought I'd share a couple of pages from my new altered Simple Abundance journal. Beneath these pages Ban Breathnach is urging us to get back in touch with our young selves, at an age before the world had a chance to undermine our belief in what our hearts were telling us.

HUBBY NEEDS HIS FREEDOM

Well, we're off to visit hubby's old cardiologist (the plumber) in Drippin' this morning, then heading over to Austin for an afternoon meet-up with his new cardiologist (the electrician), with, hopefully, time for lunch with Sonny Boy in between. (If you recall, we were on our way to have lunch with him when we had to take that last little detour to the ER.)

Keep your fingers crossed that John gets the go ahead to begin driving again -- for his sake, not mine. I don't mind being his chauffer one bit. I look on it as an opportunity for lots of quality time together, but Hubby has always been a fellow who hates feeling "fettered." Plus, I have a strong suspicion that he is none too fond of the bodice-ripping audio book that has been playing in my car the last couple of weeks. Normally I would just fast-forward through the stupid parts. However, my hubby's histrionics -- each time the characters get to pulsing and throbbing, and pirates start spouting things like "Sing to me, my sweet Siren!" -- well, they're just too priceless to pass up!

COLOR MADNESS: THE SOURCE

A lot of you already know about this, I'm sure. But just in case there are still a few who are un-initiated, I thought I should share with you my very favorite place to go when I'm looking for color inspiration -- Design Seeds. It's where I find great color palettes like this...

 and this...

 and this...

 and this!

Every single day they post a few more photo-inspired palettes, and they can even give you actual paint colors to match, if I remember correctly, though I've never asked for any. You see, though I first thought of this site strictly as a source for decorating ideas, I now realize it's even more useful to artists and designers. I mean, how often do you repaint a room? Once every few years? If, however, you do any kind of art, sewing, knitting, gardening or design work, almost every day you probably find yourself looking for inspiration -- something that will goad you to step outside your comfort zone or palette, and try something different for a change. Next time you feel the need for that kind of encouragement, I suggest you turn to Design Seeds!

MY SPECIAL WEATHER-CONTROLLING POWERS

It's been awfully warm for early February, here in central Texas. Most days have reached into the 70's, a few even creeping up into the 80's. Some folks are quite happy about that, but not me. I know that once we welcome spring, it's only a matter of weeks before we also welcome mosquitoes, wasps, snakes, scorpions, drought, and searing heat. I'm just not ready for that. In fact, I can't stop thinking about those weeks when our heater was on the blink, and my hubby and I spent most of our time curled up with good books in front of a cozy fire.

After spending a lifetime here, I've learned a thing or two about Texas weather. And, since I wasn't really ready for spring to settle in for good, I knew there was only one thing left to do. I went out and bought a bunch of spring plants.

According to this morning's weather report, we can expect freezing temps by Wednesday.

P.S. If I want it to rain, all I have to do is go waste a bunch of time and money having my crazy-curly hair blown out smooth and straight.