Sleeping Cutie and Other Random Photos

 As Beanie and I walked yesterday, there were still pockets of snow lingering here and there.  I thought the pattern of melting on this bridge was really cool.  You can actually see where the sun and shadows play on the snow there. 

It was a cold morning (note the ice on the water) but not frigid.  I was out in just a long sleeved shirt and sweats (I get toasty once I start moving at a good clip).  However, I wanted to make sure Beanie was nice and snug since she doesn't get out and move.

She had a hat, scarf, mittens, warm coat and blanket and she was snuggled up quite nicely in her little stroller nest.  The shades (she put them on herself, can you tell?) were the finishing touches on her comfort and she was content and comfy for our walk (we did a little over 3 miles).

I thought it was rather odd when I strolled up the driveway and into the garage and I didn't hear a little voice say, "Okay.  All done.  I get down!"  I approached the front of the stroller with a bit of dread and found this.  Okay, not too bad, except she didn't respond to me.  I pushed up the glasses and found this:

Oh dear.  This was NOT good.  If she naps in the morning I can pretty much kiss an afternoon nap good bye.  And, that was the case.  We had the church pancake supper last night (our Knights of Columbus hosts and puts it on, and Brien's a knight, so he had to be there the entire time), and I knew it would be a late night for the girls (when your bedtime is 7:00 or 7:30, anything past that is considered late).  

Miss Bean was wound up tighter than a terrier with an espresso.  Holy smokes.  She was a live wire!  Thank goodness a couple of her big girl friends were there to play with her.  Whew! We all ate our pancakes (we each had three--the knights were quite impressed with El's skills in throwing down some panpakes) and then there was dessert!  Lil almost died with pleasure--ice cream and cookies.  Oooooh.  :o)

While Ellie played with the big girls, Lil and I sat and chatted with Will and Christy and Claire.  I would say a good time was had by all. :o)

Today, though, I'm finding I'm rather hungry. I've never had to fast for Ash Wednesday before.  Two years ago I was pregnant and last year I was nursing.  This year, no excuses.  I've had a cup of coffee and a cereal bar and that's all. Good thing I pigged out last night.  "Fat Tuesday" makes a lot more sense to me now. ;o)

It is Ash Wednesday, and it is the start of the Lenten season.  I'm still thinking about a Lenten sacrifice.  It isn't demanded of us, and I know I want to work on my spirituality and growth, but I'm not sure what to "give up".  I want it to be something that is truly a "sacrifice", something that is meaningful.  While I would LOVE to give up housework, I don't think that's quite in the spirit of things. 

So, I'm praying and pondering and am sure something will come to me before the end of the evening. 

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Sparklies:

1.  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE getting out to walk in the mornings?

I've been noting little signs of spring here and there.  There were some mallards in the water this morning, and I'm starting to see little pops of green grass along the trail.  Off in the woods, the moss is starting to turn this gorgeous shade of emerald.  The green is so very noticeable and startling in contrast to all the brown and grey.

2.  Georgie Porgey LOVES him some sunlight:

 I was standing up on the bridge looking down at him and he would slooooooowly stretch and shift position.  He truly loves the sun on his tummy.

3.  I took this Sunday night and just got it off my phone:

It was REALLY coming down out there.

4.  Jessie sent me this photo from New Orleans:

Does my sister know me or what??  ;o)  I would have begged her to get it for me except, 1. I don't need it and 2. it was $70!  Holy moly!

5.  I want to get to Ash Wednesday service tonight.  We'll see if I can make that happen. I have a wonderful tofu dish planned for this evening (stir fried with rice noodles) to complete our day of fasting and abstinence from meat, and I would love to be able to attend Mass afterward. And, no, that makes no sense whatsoever, written out.  It DOES however make sense in my head. :oP

No milestones.