Wrapping up . . . . . . . . . . . .

March roared in like a lion!
Yesterday trees came down around the neighborhood, 
some people lost power.

It's chilly again this week as we prepare to leave.

The very strong winds from the big Nor'easter (hope all my friends up
 north are OK) reached here in the southeast - no snow thankfully - and
 getting out by plane come Monday should be OK, fingers crossed.
Cold and blustery today but the sun was bright.

Things happen. Thoughts run rampant.

Our heating system went on the blink, it was cold downstairs.  

Now repaired we can go without worrying the house is too cold. 

We shut off the water at the main always when leaving on an extended trip.

Our kindly neighborhood 'watchdogs', family members, and assorted

 friends who check on everything for us are alerted . . . . . . . and alert!

Bob did the first grass mowing of the year this week - a manicured lawn
 always looks good. Sadly, I may miss seeing my bluebells and my
 tulips bloom if the weather warms up whilst we're gone. 

I noticed the wood pile is really low - on the list for when we return -

Order a cord of firewood so it will be seasoned by next autumn/winter.
Always planning ahead.

Winter blankets, throws, duvets are still scattered on beds and furniture - a

 reminder that spring cleaning awaits in April/May. . . . . . . . . after the heavy pollen

 season we experience here in The City of Oaks.

Today hair and nails taken care of. A goodbye lunch with granddaughter Jasmin,
then back home to wash bed linen while Bob was on a ladder getting twigs off the 
roof - dangerous!
Helped Bob pack - if YOU have a man who's a good packer you're fortunate!
Completing my packing tomorrow.
Quick meal tonight - tuna stuffed baked potatoes with salad.
An excellent Australian Shiraz to finish up. . . . . a little TV, then an early night.

The landscape will be completely different when we return - Spring will have

 sprung and the many lovely greens of the new season will have enveloped
 the neighborhood. 

Exciting to go away and see new places, but always wonderful to come home again.

A stop for a cuppa!

Busy today doing required jobs about the cottage. . . . . .including taking photos in the garden to share with you later of course. Yes, it's happening, Spring is springing, flowers are peeking out from buds, temperatures  are warming, birds are singing and probably checking for nesting sites.

My cuppa today - caffeine free Rooibos Chai for a change.

I first tasted Rooibos in Botswana when on my first safari.

Just having a tea break - bit earlier than my usual 'teatime' - then back to the kitchen to make soup and wash the kitchen floor - we had workmen in yesterday and I can feel the residue they left behind. Thankfully they did a good job though. I thought it so cute when I offered coffee or tea - they asked if perhaps they could have a cup of tea with milk and sugar!  No, they weren't British, just two Southern brothers who were definitely some of my favorite service people ever!

Cute tea towel - gift from granddaughter Jasmin

Happy March - it arrived here like a lamb. A balmy 72F with a breeze outside right now!