Burt Cleans Up

Tomorrow is the beginning of Daylight Saving Time for most of us here in the states. It seems like spring is in the air even though it's still officially a couple weeks away. It will in all probability be snowing here until May, but that's ok, we're used to it. In the meantime, that extra hour of light at the end of the day can illuminate all sorts of disgusting housekeeping problems. Luckily, Burt has offered to help out with the spring cleaning chores in addition to offering some of his sage advice.

Be prepared.

 Being able to see things clearly is always important . . .

 

. . . so is looking at a problem from a different point of view.

Have fun, but don't overlook those hard to reach places . . .

. . . because cleaning, like life is all about balance.

After all you never know what you will find once you start looking.

You might find cat toys under the couch . . .

or a skeleton in your closet!

Thanks for stopping by!

Is it spring yet where you live or are you still waiting for it to arrive?

What do you love most about spring?

Cabin Fever

Burt has been catching up on his reading during those recent winter days when the high temperature stayed firmly below zero. Although our weather hasn't been really all that bad, relatively speaking.

Of course there was always an ongoing project or two to keep everyone occupied.

Like building pinhole cameras from all those empty boxes that keep accumulating.

Then one day, when we least expected it, the dreaded Cabin Fever set in.

The overwhelming urge to laugh at the fickle gods of climate change overcame us. We put down our drinks, bundled up and went out to take full advantage of the frozen stuff. At least it was a sunny day!

Our top layer of snow was the dry, powdery variety, sadly making building a snow person or a decent fort impossible. Luckily, by using our bare hands it did melt just enough to stick together for snowballs! We were determined to have a proper snowball fight and quickly built up an arsenal.

Who won? Good question.

Probably the one who was least affected by the cold. So if your stuck inside, buried in snow,

trapped by the cold or just plain bored with winter here's some advice from Burt.

Make a few snow angels.

Try a new or old sport, you'll only hurt for a few days afterward.

Write your name in the snow.

Or if all else fails, take a road trip.

Thanks for stopping by!

How is your winter going? What's your favorite cure for Cabin Fever?

The Basement Garden and Valentine's Day

One of the reasons I started this blog was so my Mom could see my garden change over the seasons. At this time of year I find it almost impossible to imagine that anything will ever grow there again! It's nice that the snow hides all the ugly stuff but it does seems like it's never going to go away.

This is my son Andy's driveway in Quincy, just south of Boston. They have over four feet

of snow now and they're getting more over the weekend! So why is his car smiling?

Meanwhile, inside there are definitely signs of spring! These are plants from the patio, oops.. lanai!

They can't survive the snow and sub-zero temps so they have to spend the winter in the basement under grow lights. Burt has been kind enough to help with the subterranean garden chores. 

It's surprising how many of the plants actually flower underground.

These Primroses blossom twice as much in the basement as they do outside.

Spenser, our bad kitty likes to chew on as many plants as possible.

Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day it's time to sprucing up the house with some decorations. I have to admit it's pretty hard to come up with interesting ways to use hearts and cupids. This photo is what I put together for a party a few years ago using Halloween and Christmas deco, costume jewelry, old valentines and empty candy boxes. Why did I think an owl in a Santa hat was Valentine's Day deco?

Burt is a big fan of holidays and he never passes up a chance to celebrate anything!   

Of course he's found the perfect wine . . .

. . . and a special friend to share it with.

Thanks for stopping by! So sorry for being gone for so long, again!

What are you doing for Valentine's Day?

So how is your winter going? Any signs of spring?

 Have a Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

Nutcrackers and a New Year!

Happy New Year! Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2015.

Sorry for being so late, hope everyone had an enjoyable time ringing in the new year.

Burt always enjoys celebrating and doesn't miss an opportunity to indulge in some good cheer. He was invited to a costume party this New Year's Eve and decided to dress up as a Chimney Sweep. He said in some countries they symbolize good luck for the coming year. In all honesty, we thought he looked like a wild west gambler or Herr Drosselmeyer (sans eye patch) but who are we to judge?

It probably started with the Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann. Burt is a big fan of the book, especially the one with Maurice Sendak's illustrations. Who could resist a Rat King with seven heads?

Early in December, Burt unpacked our Nutcrackers. They used to sit on the steps of the stairway but with two cats, a dog and several clumsy humans around the domino effect became a constant occurrence. So we gave up and relocated them to the top of the wardrobe in the dining room. 

Naturally Burt had to join in the fun and give it a try.

Careful now, you don't want to hurt yourself!

Oh, no!

Tape, such a joker.

At last, all safely lined up.

Recently Burt volunteered to stay with the pets while we went to see some other Nutcrackers.

Every year The Paine Art Center (an historic home turned into a museum in our town) decorates its rooms for the holidays taking inspiration from the Nutcracker. This was the first year they allowed photography! I couldn't believe they were encouraging it, even suggesting that we post our photos on social media. Here's Nick, our son Andy and his girlfriend Kristin at the entrance to the art gallery.

This is normally where art work is displayed though out the year, but during the holiday season it is transformed into a setting for live music. I wonder how long it takes to trim that tree?

Each of the rooms have an illustrated reference to the Nutcracker story. 

Those of us who do not normally have a mustache were able to borrow one,

which left the one who is already in possession of one to take the photo.

The dining room, obviously the realm of the Sugar Plum Fairy.  

It's hard not to like a room full of sweets.

Next door the Breakfast Room is filled with beautiful white trees. 

These people really knew how to start the day out right.

I have no idea how these trees relate to the Nutcracker story but I think they should consider selling them in the gift shop. Seriously, I could use a red and gold forest on my mantel. 

A closer look, because you can never get too much of a good thing. Great table, too.

The great hall where excerpts from the ballet are performed, unfortunately we missed the dancing.

The Minstrel Gallery that once overlooked the great hall, lined with golden trees.

There are many more beautifully decorated rooms and more photos (by someone not using her phone because she did not know about the new policy) that can be found at thepaine.org.

Once again, best wishes for the New Year! Sorry for being absent for so long! We have been experiencing a bit more than our usual amount of celebrating this year. Between the road trips, the holidays and birthdays I've really fallen behind, but I hope to catch up soon. Thanks for visiting!    

As for Burt, he's catching up on his beauty sleep.