A Platypus, Mulch, and Cats

Lydia made this adorable platypus in pottery:

And I've been busy with my mountain of mulch.

The hyacinths are blooming, too.

And Malachi took a fun picture of the cats.

In other news, I now have 4 teenagers in the house!  It's hard to believe that Lydia is 13 and Elijah is 19.

 

Daffodils and Spring Dreams

 

Pilot and his lovely date enjoyed prom last night very much.  

And it's been feeling very spring-like lately.  I know it will freeze again, but we have really been enjoying the weather, and it has gotten me moving in the gardens and sunroom.  I chitted potatoes:

And then I planted 6 of them.  I do love home-grown potatoes. 

Below is one of the plum trees I grew from seed last year.   I've planted a couple in the yard, but I still have 2 in pots in the sunroom.

I have several cabbages.  I've transplanted a couple outside, but most are still enjoying the sunroom, too:

And the daffodils are blooming all around the yards.  

I've been planting more seeds inside and preparing garden beds outside, as well as spreading the mound of tree chips we got.  There are plenty of tasks to keep me busy outside, and I really enjoy that!

A New Mountain

Yesterday I had 25 cubic yards of unscreened tree chips delivered.  That looks like this:

The boys had fun watching the truck and then climbing the mound. They also enjoyed shoveling, although I know that won't last long!

And inside, Panther gets lots of love: 

Ups and Downs

 Last week was a long week for us.  Nathaniel was in Germany.  Lydia got a really nasty stomach bug.  The little boys were having a hard time with Dad being gone.  Here is one of Gyunay's work pages last week: 

In case it's hard to see, the top says, "I feel sad because Dad is not home."  The bottom says, "I feel happy because I love cheese."

 

And on one of the warmer days, I let the chickens out for a bit.  They were very happy to be pecking around.  Fortunately, this week looks to be warm and sunny.  Nathaniel is home.  

Seedlings

 I've been starting seedlings in the sunroom.

I've got many already sprouting.  I've started lots of flowers, plus peppers, tomatoes, kale, tomatillos, lettuce, and choy.  I plan to start more soon. 

Nathaniel's parents stopped by on their way home from Florida, and we celebrated the March birthdays with a brownie ice cream cake.   Also, Lydia played the violin for Grandma:

Malachi played the bass, too, but I didn't get a picture of him.  He's been performing quite a bit lately, and he got 2 distinguished ratings at his judging thing last Saturday.  One was a group piece, but the other was his solo.  He also played well in a duet.  (I couldn't watch these, as they only performed for the judges, no audience.)  He did have a mini-performance last night, though, that I got to see. 

The cats hate when my in-laws bring their dog, and Panther was quite insistent for attention:

He doesn't usually try to climb people, but he wouldn't leave Malachi alone as he was taking water to the chickens!  The cats were very happy when our guests left. 

Book Review - Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin

 I loved Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin.  I've read extensively about WWII in both non-fiction and fiction, but this is the first novel I've read set in Paris.  The author did an excellent job of transporting me to WWII France.  The main characters are both engaging and interesting, and both Paul and Lucie grow and develop throughout the story.  The historical details are good, the faith undertones are well done, and the whole story is well-crafted.  There is depth to this story, and many facets of living (and resisting) under Nazi influence are explored.  There is plenty of suspense, romance, and emotion in this one!  Be sure to set aside time for this book; you won't want to put it down.  Although it is the second book in a collection, it is a stand-alone novel.  (Now I have to get the first one!)  I highly recommend this book.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.

Book Review - Malicious Intent by Lynn H. Blackburn

 

I really enjoyed this one!  I've read some of Blackburn's books before, and this one did not disappoint.  Malicious Intent has plenty of suspense and a fast-moving plot line.  There is a lot of action.  Main characters Gil and Ivy are both well-drawn, and I enjoyed the slow revealing of their backstory as well as their relationship's development in the present.  Readers of Lynn Blackburn's other novels will recognize some characters from previous books, but this is a stand-alone novel.  It was easy to become enveloped in the world Blackburn created, and I finished this book quickly because I didn't want to put it down.  It's a well-written suspense story with a sweet romance included. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Revell, for the purpose of writing a review, but all opinions are my own.  

February Harvest Totals

 Eggs - 146

As you may have noticed, the chickens have been picking up their laying lately.  It's really nice to have a steady stream of eggs again, and it should continue to get better.  Right now, we are getting about 6-7 a day.

I started some seedlings in the sunroom on heated seed mats.  Some are now sprouting!