Hidy ho, neighbors! A quick note to thank those of you who responded to my last post. Much appreciated, at least now I know someone's reading the blog. Here are a few notes for the day:

What an exciting and blessed morning so far! Drove to the shore to see....not the water and ice of yesterday, nor the open water of the last time I walked there. The entire sphere, the entire surface of the bowl as far as we could see, was ice. Ice, ice, ice, white, bluish, greenish, and pink. Slabs, chunks, piles, tabletops. Even the open pond-like areas were frozen over enough to support the new snow. The sun is warm enough to let me sit on the deck in my housecoat (thanks, Mom), to melt the new snow and get it running across the road (thanks, God), and to make me take off my winter coat while walking. Yippee! But the wind of the last three days drove ice in from Labrador or the arctic waters, or Iceland! Who knows where, but there it is. The ocean never fails to surprise, attract, and interest.

Another great thing that happened: A parcel in the mail from Dear Brother. That in itself was a YAY for me moment. The best part occurred when I cut open the top. Out flowed a familiar, warm scent of Brother's room and Brother's shirts. It was like receiving a hug in the mail. It made my day.

Last night I got a phone call from a friend just out of hospital, this morning from another friend on the other side of Canada just to keep in touch and ask for prayer. Dear neighbors and friends, let this be an encouragement to us all. When you think of someone, send a note. Write a letter. E mail. Call. Drop a postcard. Stick in a flower or leaf from home, or from where you're travelling. Drop a bit of your cologne on the paper. Believe me, the person on the receiving end will be so pleased! You may have no idea how that gesture will touch the recipient.

Have a great day..........................Kate

I have a question for you all. There have been 35 hits on my blog profile, which I have deliberately kept to a very bare minimum. There are no comments or reactions on any of my blogs. What's that all about? What draws 35 people to look at a profile of the writer, but not comment on the writing?

Comments and reactions are welcome, expected, and anticipated. If no comments are forthcoming, the writer does become somewhat discouraged.

Comments regarding what you would like to read on the blog are also welcome.

Beefs and bouquets. Don't be a chicken.

Unwelcome Guest

I have said "Goodbye" to Winter
Half a dozen times or so,
But I guess she didn't hear me,
For she doesn't seem to go.
She lingers on the doorstep,
Puts a foot upon the ground,
And when I think she's leaving us
She merely turns around,
And reaches for the knocker-
And opens up the door-
And brings the same old shiver that
She gave us all before.

Nobody seems to like her;
No one begs of her to stay,
But they really can't prevent it
If she will not go away.
You'd think she'd have some manners;
You'd think she'd be a sport,
And when she wasn't wanted here
She'd cut her visit short.
Oh! Winter, you're so tiresome,
There isn't any doubt,
You'd better move along now,
You've worn your welcome out!

by Nan Terrill Reed, written 1926

The time has arrived to begin the garden orders. My suggestion is, if you can afford it, order two more of each. (This is my philosophy with adding spice to the soup as well.) If you think one will be yummy, three will be perfect. Five might be too many....... RESIST! Resist, I say, ordering from the Spring Garden catalogue! I have known several people in several provinces who have had several disappointments. Except for the one plant which my friend's mother was so disgusted with, she chucked it as far as she could. Of course, that's the one that grew. Perhaps less care is better than more? Keep in mind to order bulbs from Vesey's in Prince Edward Island this spring, and ask for the order to be put on the Blue Lake Vacation Bible School order. 50% of the price is donated to the camp, which then sponsors kids who otherwise can't afford to go to camp. That's my plug for the day. If you can't afford two more of everything, buy seeds and start 'em in the see-through salad containers from Wendy's. Yep. Dandy little micro-climates these are. Poke a few air cracks in the lid. Remember, bottom heat usually works best for most seeds, until their heads poke out of the soil. Ack! Open the lid on really sunny days! That's my enviro-hint for the day. Use Damp-Off. It stinks, but it's worth it. Many are the seedlings I've lost because I thought I need not worry about this plague. Even in the dry air of Alberta! Hard to believe, I know. Don't start your tomatoes too early, and give them lots of light. That's my slow-down caution for today. For all you kindred spirits on PEI, take heart! This too shall pass, said the lion as he swallowed the mouse. Bye for now........