Since my last update Spring has sprung, at least on the calendar! We are experiencing really cold weather with a windchill fierce enough to send us back inside and under an electric blanket all over again!
But fear not, Spring is just waiting to spring under that layer of cold (and in some cases, snow) and it's only a matter of time now. The warmer temperatures will show up soon. They have to right?!
The birds are back, the geese are noisy and the squirrels have left the hollow of the tree. Mother nature cannot put us off for that much longer!
Another sign of spring - the renovation, home and backyard shows and seminars taking place all over.
There's the Ottawa Home Show taking place right now. The Cottage Show and Big Backyard Show as well as the Spring Garage Show
That's a lot of 'show' going on in the next few weeks. Considering attending one or all. It's a great place to get ideas from, especially if you are a visual person and like to see things already put together. As well, it's a one stop shop for resources, finding out who does what in the city and picking up some brochures and business cards for your own upcoming project.
Enjoy
Joanne
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Spring is in the Air and our Thoughts are with Japan
There is so much in the air right now. Here, there is the hope of spring through the rainfall, the sun, the longer hours of daylight and the big puddles left in the aftermath of melting snow. Spring and hope seem to go together. It's a time of renewal and new beginnings and we are more than ready to embrace it after months of winter.
Elsewhere, particularly in Japan, there is much more in the air since the earthquake and tsunami. What has happened in Japan is unimaginable yet through the news and hourly photo reports via CNN and other news agencies, we are seeing first hand what, up until now, we could only ever imagine. And, it is real. Very real. The tragedy, the ensuing loss, the unknown.
Not to be missed in all of this is the courage, the strength and the banding together of people in this time of crisis. There has been no looting. In its place, cooperation and continuous stories of strangers helping strangers. That's not to say there isn't fear and sadness but the people of Japan seem to be working together and dwelling on hope instead of despair. They must. This is their home, their livelihood. There is no option to leave for most. They must dig in and persevere. And they are.
Everyone wants to help and as a country, we are and so are many other nations. Individually, we feel the need to help and to be thankful for all we have here. The need to be thankful for what we do have is more poignant than ever in light of what has happened and we need to remember this daily.
With Spring comes optimism and with this tragedy comes hope for the future for Japan.
Warmest
Joanne
Friday, March 11, 2011
Spring it Forward!
I know. I know. This past week's weather has not been any indicator of what is suppose to be just around the corner that is for sure! The 'S' word is floating around with feelings of hope and anticipation. 'S' as in SPRING! We're ready. We're waiting. Bring. It. On. Right?
Perhaps Ms Mother Nature hasn't been keeping her lines of communication open with Mr. Calendar...Not sure but the other 'S' word has been everywhere this week. Snow, sleet and slush and all just two weeks before Spring hits, on the calendar at least. And for those that are reading the calendar these days and counting down until March Break (it's here now parents:) and then Spring, this weekend is very important in helping with this transition!
This Saturday night we 'Spring Forward' meaning we are to set the clocks ahead one hour at bedtime. The good news is that we will have more light! The bad news is that we lose one precious hour of sleep this weekend. But I think it's fair to say that the trade off is minor. As we get closer and closer to longer, sunnier and warmer days, one hour of sleep is more than negotiable to help us get there don't you think?
Enjoy your weekend.
Joanne
Working for you every day!
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