Spring!

Michigan, and apparently the whole midwest (still baffled by that term now, seems like it should be mideast) is having a very abnormal late winter/spring. Feels like summer, looks like summer, smells like summer, and sounds like summer with all the beautiful woodland birds around us. Although we miss the skiing in Idaho, we did get a little in before we left, and this summer weather more than makes up for it, normal or not. Somehow I feel a little like it is just for us, to make the transition that much easier.

To celebrate spring I couldn't resist starting my own little gardening project. I picked up these planters and started some spinach, bok choi, and sugar snap peas. I realize winter could hit here again at any time, but with temps being an average 40 degrees higher than normal, I don't think the ground is going to cool down that much to give us a good freeze. Even so, I was more than happy just to smell the dirt and tuck those magical little seeds into their new beds.

With a little down time after settling into our move, I'm taking a basic photography class, to figure out how to maximize our camera. Although I'd love to aspire to a great photographer someday, I don't think I have the determination for it, but we'll see. I'm just not good, or patient enough, with details. I didn't even edit these shots, as I just wanted to get writing. Nonetheless, here are a few practice shots that look a little springy, too, and showcase the only decorative touch I made, or will make, on our rental. I had to make it functional, with these pretty salt and pepper shakers that I found to replace the ones we left behind in Idaho.

I have to say if you have to move cross-country, and can handle giving up your stuff, selling and donating then starting over is a good way to go. Liberating letting go of your clutter, prioritizing what stuff really matters, then having fun choosing new things as you go is kind of fun. We did have a lot of stuff to gather in the beginning, and felt ridiculous with all the spending we were doing (although very American), but the feeling that we're not so attached to our stuff has lasted and knowing
we'll have very little to move this summer is a very peaceful thought. It will give me a more time to think about late summer and fall gardening.