Spring Has Sprung!

Well, now, it's finally getting warm.  That's what we say around here when it's 40-50F degrees. Even though our last frost date isn't until May 15th.

For the past couple of weeks we've been seeing wooly bear caterpillars around.  We found out last fall, that they freeze solid over the winter, thaw out in the Spring, and then build their cocoons.  Daughter, the naturalist, has been caring for one of these thawed out wooly bears.  It has built its cocoon (did you know they use their own hair to do it with?) and we are all waiting to see the Isabella moth that it will become.




We've also started our indoor seeds for the garden.  This year we're growing tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, chard, leeks, and garlic chives.  I'm really looking forward to just getting out there and playing in the dirt. 

We're also going to plant a veritable forest of mammoth sunflowers in the spot where my beautiful ornamental plum used to be.  So for the first time we will have red and gold in that corner instead of red and pink.  If I can keep the snails from eating every little seedling in sight.  Like they did in previous years, the selfish wretches.  I wouldn't mind sharing, but they don't share, they eat them all.  Grrrr!

On the sewing front, the Pattern Review Fitted Blouse Contest has ended and voting begins tomorrow.   There's a lot of fine entries there, so if you're a PR member, check it out and cast your votes!