March 29

Well, by the feel of the air, March will not be 'out like a lamb'. A gorgeous day today, but windy and still cold. The town has no snow left, but of course, we still have plenty up here. Last Saturday I took a delightful jaunt, button/vintage fabric run. I came up empty for those, but filled with other things...like time at the river, the gorge, my favorite junk shop in Jonesville where the old folks are sitting in the same chairs having the same easy conversations selling the same junk...save an occasional treasure. Like my finds : two huge bound books of The Youth's Companion. Seems it was a magazine for young adults in the late 1800's and early 1900's. My issues date back to 1899 & 1900. I love the advertisements and the illustrations are lovely. Also a very old, very tiny (falling apart) book on gardens and their loveliness and place in our lives...Very dear, here's a sampling:

Joys of Gardens

and because the breath of flowers is far sweeter in the air, where it comes and goes, like the warbling of music, than in the hand, therefore nothing is more fit for that delight, than to know what be the flowers and plants that do best perfume the air...

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When I first settled here, the ground around the house was sour moorland. I made the walk, planted the trees, built the moss-house, erected the sun-dials, brought home the rhododendrons and fed them with the mould which they love so well. I know the genealogy of every tree and plant in my garden. I watch their growth as a father watches the growth of his children. In autumn they put off their rich apparel, but next year they are back again, with dresses fair as ever; and----one can exact a kind of fanciful bitterness from the thought----should I be laid in my grave in winter, they would all in spring be back again, with faces as bright and with breath as sweet, missing me not at all. Ungrateful, the one I am fondest of would blossom very prettily if planted on the soil that covers me,-----where my dog would die, where my best friend would perhaps raise an inscription.

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Then a stop at a sugar house at the farm where my favorite Jersey cows live. Had a nice chat with an old farmer who was thrilled to share his years of wisdom. Takes lots of pride in his work...as well he should. Free pancakes, too.
No one was there...but they were just down the road at the Audubon Center where it was packed. ?

Busy week with various obligations. My power went out on Monday and I think I waited all of 3 minutes for it to come on. When it didn't I was quick to call a good friend and we were off...

I did start the decrease for the underarms of the sweater but am just a few rows into it.

My younger son bought a used touring bike and has been braving the cold to ride it to school in the mornings. He's there in 45 minutes, good on ya Woody! Visit the site of this wonderful small business dedicated to the wonders of the bicycle. Great Vermont business:
http://www.oldspokeshome.com/


Till next time...stay well,
Martha.