Nor'easter

I have lived in New England all my life, so snow in March does not phase me.  So having two days of snow,  sleet and blustery cold wind from the north, is not unheard of.

Second day, still snowing

That doesn't mean I am keen on it.  Especially hard is the cold.  It is only 9 degrees!  That is what makes it so difficult.  The wind, which I find is sort of hard to photograph, makes it feel much, much colder.

What you can't see is the wind and the cold

This was last year on this very date:

Rising waters

Since I can't go out, I got busy and worked on a little baby dress.  This is a design I tried before with moderate success.  This time I was thinking that the skirt part should be fuller to accommodate diapers, so tried to adjust that part of the dress.  It is knit with a commercial yarn, mostly acrylic for easy care for the mom.

Dress for baby Arya

It looks sort of strange.  I sure hope it fits ok.  Just in case, I am working up some wee leggings for her, too.

Tiny leggings

Well, must go have coffee with the husband who came back from town just now.  He says that there is no sense in being open today, no one is around, they are all busy shoveling and plowing.  The bank had not even opened!   It is supposed to stop by noon.  Let's hope so!  Meanwhile, coffee and some serious spinning will be the order of the day.  

My happy snowman 

Just for today, I will keep my focus on the green plants and the inside of the window!

Life Cycle

Life is a funny old thing, I find.  One can go along for great stretches of time with just routine happenings, and then, whoosh!  The rug is pulled out from under oneself and regrouping is necessary.

My mother

For me, the rug that was yanked out took the form of my mother passing away.  It was rather unexpected in that her ailment did not seem life threatening, yet on the other hand, she was 85 and not in the best of health.  I don't think there is any good way to "lose" a mother. (although I don't think she is lost at all--I'm pretty sure I know where she is).  We have been consoling ourselves with the mantra of: she didn't linger for years with nursing care, she was cognizant right to the end, she had a wonderful life, and other truths that pertained to her.
It still is very hard.

They were married for 63 years

Spring is on its way, though.  I mean, I imagine it is even though we had -8 degrees this morning.  Spring is a time for new beginnings, trees and flowers awaking from their winter sleep, and babies being born.  Here is a baby that was born just last week.  His grandma came to be with me when Mum died, and then the next week she was with her son when his son was born.  Life is like that.

Liam

Do you recognize the blankie?  This made me smile, for sure.

The cycle of life includes death and birth.  I find it also includes family, friends, acquaintances and even strangers who will reach out and embrace you when you are stricken.  They do the same when you are rejoicing.  

Fiber things are on hold at the moment until I get my creative spark back.  I am trusting that it will come when Spring comes to break the hold winter has on us.  Warmer days, no snow, green grass--bring it on.  I will be ready.

Bring it on!