I’ve been trying really, really hard (just like most of you) to, as the Brits would say, “Keep a stiff upper lip”.  I’ve always interpreted that phrase to mean “Don’t cry like a baby”.   I don’t mind admitting that I’m having a hard time…Overall, I miss my children, I miss my grandson, I miss my friends.  I miss shopping for something besides groceries, I miss having friends and family over for dinner, I miss, I miss, I miss.  Just like the rest of you.  We are lonely, but lonely together, if that makes any sense whatsoever.

The tilt of the Earth has brought spring back to us, but it is surreal.  The weather is warming, the days are longer, trees and plants are leafing out and blooming, the birds are courting, but our routines are so different.

Easter Sunday

This Sunday is Easter Sunday.   Most churches are not holding services, most Easter egg hunts have been cancelled.  My beautiful grandson usually comes over to hunt Easter eggs (the Easter Bunny is always generous, with plenty of quarters and dollar bills included with the candy), but not this year.  I didn’t even get a chance to shop for Easter toys and candy for him.  No one will be coming over for dinner.  No reason to cook a special meal and luscious dessert (Wonderful Husband and I certainly don’t need the extra calories!).

I did put together an Easter basket for my grandson and his little sister.  I dropped it off at their house, but couldn’t even hug him.  He understood.  He said, “I know aaall about the virus, Grandma.”

I’ve been spending a great deal of time sewing face masks for family and friends – believe me, this is an act of love, I am NOT a good seamstress and my sewing machine keeps tangling up the threads.  There was at least one time, I cried in frustration (so much for the “stiff upper lip”).  I finally ran out of material this afternoon after finishing 14 masks.  Not nearly enough for all the people who need them, but I did the best I could, by cutting up white chef’s aprons and sacrificing some nice tea towels.  I wouldn’t enter these masks in any contest, but I hope they will offer some protection.

Garden Update

Meanwhile, my gardens are looking beautiful.  The daffodils are nearly finished blooming, the Jane magnolia, dogwoods, redbuds, variegated Solomon’s Seal, columbines and Lilly’s of the Valley are currently blooming.  The red trilliums have emerged and have multiplied from last spring.  The heuchera / heucherella have awakened and are really growing well – Pink Fizz is even blooming (see photo).

My favorite tree is leafing out – it’s a Japanese maple which Wonderful Husband gave me for Mother’s Day the first spring after we moved in.

There had been a female cardinal and two males which provided a great deal of amusement.  The males could not decide whether it was more important to try to chase the female or to try to chase one another away.  I saw the female with one suitor yesterday…I guess the other one gave up.

There’s a robin nesting in one of the junipers next to the house.  One of the beautiful blue eggs was crushed on the ground, but there are three more in the nest.  I’m trying to remember to circle around the nest, so as not to frighten the parents into flying away (or worse, abandoning the nest).

This is the most difficult time most of us have ever experienced, but Life does and will go on.  We will, too.

Stay Green (and Healthy), Good Friends.