Yes, this is Spring in New England

I do not, nor have I ever understood the "one size fits all" mentality of chain stores when it comes to the timing of seasonal clothing displays. I get putting out the next season's items before the season actually arrives, but there is absolutely no good reason to stock a New Hampshire sales floor with sundresses in February. Exactly when is anyone around here supposed to wear these items? They are no good until June. And Easter dresses?? Well, they are absolutely adorable and I would love to put my 12 month old into a pink and purple sleeveless number with open-toed sandals to match but I would prefer she not get frostbite whilst we are searching for Easter eggs amongst the 5 foot high snowbanks. And sun hats. Yes, we will certainly be needing those and I'll make sure to get the ones with the grosgrain ribbons to tie them under the girls' chins so they don't blow away into the upper atmosphere when the 40 mph winds kick in.

I love the thought of a warm, dewy Easter morning, but when I have that vision it almost always takes place in the deep South where the mercury might be just a wee bit higher than here. You know, a scene like the one in "Steel Magnolias" with all the fair haired children running amok down a rolling TruChem green lawn in their summer whites and pale blues. Then there are my kids in their shabby, road-salt smeared winter coats and too tight snow boots. Just darling!

I am going to design a more suitable line of clothing for us Nor'eastern folks that seasonally appropriate, but still Spring-like. Perhaps for the girls a long sleeved fleece gown and for the boys a woolen suit coat. You know, kind of like what they wear at Christmas time but in Spring colors. Sounds terrific, doesn't it?

I don't really care about this at all, though, because come snow, rain, wind or sleet, (most likely all four) this Sunday I am going on an all out chocolate peanut butter delight fest and there is nothing to that can ruin it for me. I will just have to remember to remove my white lace gloves before I dip into the goods.

when muppets indulge in too much "craic"

Thanks to my friend Jemi for sending this to me this morning. It's just the kind of thing that makes complete sense before I've downed my first cup of joe. And really, this is the only way this song should ever be performed, anyway.

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Bella's Theme

Kids sure do grow quickly. They smile, they learn to sit up, crawl and then before you know it they're walking.

And then they learn to rock.