The view out my window this morning. It’s a rainy, messy day. It started with sleet last night, then a wee bit of snow and now, rain. There is more rain promised for today and tomorrow.
It certainly gives one pause. Do I really need to go out? No. Does Don? Maybe. Poor Scout has no choice.
I deliberately haven’t allowed my thoughts go there until yesterday, but oh, how I am longing for spring. I need to garden, to put my hands in the soil, to see little green buds everywhere. Heck, I’m even looking forward to cleaning up the garden! Do you feel that way – those of you who live in a winter climate like me? Are you going a little stir crazy? It’s just about the end of February and March in my neck of the woods can be very wintry. Or not. I’m pulling for not.
I need to be outside, working in my garden, witnessing the renewal of spring. I’m tired of being indoors. I’m tired of gray, which is a perfectly nice color, but not in the sky and the landscape. These last days of winter are always the hardest for me. I can see spring off on the horizon, but it’s just out of reach.
So I’ve been crocheting a new flower for some garlands to sell in the shop.
If I can’t see flowers in my garden, I can create some with some yarn and a hook. I like this flower even more than the other design I was using. And it’s time for a change, isn’t it? This is a pale pink Debbie Bliss baby yarn I had in my stash. Karen Dunn, if you’re looking at this post, this is the color I was thinking you might like for your garland. If you like this design, let me know, and I’ll make it for you.
Crocheting flowers makes me happy, which is very welcome on a gray, rainy day.
Don’t forget about our pajama party on Monday. Today is such a flannel pajamas day! I have no idea how many of you will show up for my party, but I would so love it if you came. Your pajamas can be flannel or cotton or your pajamas can be a nightgown. Just write a post about how much you love them, any adventures you’ve had in them – you get the picture. I have had many adventures in mine. It will be a one-time-only linky party. Put the date, March 4th, on your calendars and we’ll have a bit of fun as we wind down Winter and move toward Spring.
Happy Wednesday.
You’ve really had the snow this year, plus Don being gone made it even harder (when I think of you doing all that shoveling, oh my goodness). I’m hoping with you that March will ease your area into spring.
Mary
Fingers crossed, Mary!
I am very tired of winter right now. I see the daffodils coming up and I want them all the way up with the flowers on them! I look at my vegetable garden and long to go out and see what is ready to be picked. I guess that is rushing the summer , isn’t it? To help me with a little color in my life, I have been crocheting a wave blanket. I am using rainbow colors because they just make me feel good to see color! I love your pink crochet flowers! I need to learn how to make those too! Maybe next week we will see more Spring like weather…we can hope, anyway. ~Hugs, Patti
Patti, I can tell you’re further south than us – no daffodils in sight here! Crocheting something in rainbow colors sounds like the perfect thing!
some days it seems as though spring will never come!
I know, Suzan, I know!
There has to be some subtle signs that spring is coming…honestly. If you have a clematis, check for buds swelling at the base of the vine, bleeding hearts should have tender little sprouts at the crown…they are there. We just need to look really hard.
Jen
I’m sure they’re there. It’s just too yucky out today to investigate. But I will!
Sharing the dreariness with a daughter home sick from school. Maybe some sun on Friday?!?
Let’s hope so, Jeanmarie. I hope your daughter feels better soon!
Uhh….Claudia……those pink flowers would make a great scarf! I’m wondering if they could be attached in an offset pattern to make a new version of your wonderful scaves I seem to have an “obsession” with right now. :-) I can relate to your end of winter blahs……used to live in Missouri where March could bring real winter surprises and not the good kind. That’s why hubby and I decided to stay in Texas for our retirement years. Hang in there and just keep creating!
Brenda
They probably could, Brenda, though I’m not the most patient person when it comes to crocheting separate pieces together.
Claudia,I agree completely what did that Puxatauni(sp) Phil mean? Spring will be five minutes early? See I am getting very cranky about this!! But my Mom always used to say if march comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb. Sooo Clinging to Hope here! Your blog is the best!~ -Judy A-
Thanks, Judy!
Sending you daffodils from my southeast garden – they are blooming, along with galanthus (snowdrops), and look pretty today in the sunshine after yesterday’s horrid rainy, grey day. Wishing an early Spring for your neck of the woods dear – meanwhile keep crocheting (something I hope to learn soon – I only knit) those sweet flowers!
Today’s my anniversary (see my post) – 6 years of blogging and thankful you became one of my dearest online friends along the way Claudia.
Hang in there – Spring WILL come!
Hugs – Mary X
Happy Anniversary, my dear friend!
Yes! I am so tired of gray skies, cold temps and all this snow! We are no longer deficient in moisture, thank goodness, but did it all have to come in the form of snow? I need to dig in the dirt so badly…I’ve been playing with my houseplants, and they’ve never looked so good…but it’s not quite the same! Face it Claudia, we need Spring! ;)
We definitely need SPRING!
Rain Rain Go Away
PLEASE don’t make ANY MORE MUD for my dogs to track in today
Oh, I know. Mud everywhere the eye can see here.
Two major snow storms in the KC area in one week (nearly 2 feet total) has me at wits end! Between making sure my elderly parents are okay and are staying fed and warm – to trying to keep my preteen son “entertained” among the 4 school snow days – has left little time for me to get the things I need to get done before spring. I am SO tired of cold, snow and dreary skies. I’ve never liked it, never will! Here’s hoping for sunny and warm days just around the corner for all of us.
You guys have really been pelted with snow lately! I hope things getter better around your parts very soon!
I am also very tired of winter here in the Northwest. I had to drive hubby to work this morning and it was doing what is called “grapple” out here. A cross between hail and snow. It’s basically little snowballs! Very cute, but very slippery too. I’m anxious to get to my trailer at the lake. We were there to check on things about 2 weeks ago and there was 2 1/2 foot of snow. Blah. So, I am very with you on this Claudia. Ready for springtime.
Blessings,
Betsy
I think we had a bit of grapple last night, Betsy. Be careful driving!!
Crochet flowers always make me smile. I love the color and Debbie Bliss makes yarn that feels like butter, it’s so silky and yummy.
Is the flower pattern yours or from another designer?
Sending warm thoughts your way. :)
It’s my adaptation of patterns I’ve seen around the web. It’s a pretty basic pattern.
Yes Claudia, I am stir crazy too! I cannot wait for spring. My friend and I visited the Adams Garden Show-it always helps to see the pretty flowers blooming and feel the warm (greenhouse) air. It inspired me to pick-up some seed packets and some potted Daffodils for the table. Let’s hope spring is right around the corner!
-Lynn
Warm greenhouse air sounds heavenly to me right now, Lynn!
Cabin fever has definitely set in. I hate this point in the season, when we are so ready for warm spring days and winter will not loosen its cold and gloomy grip.
I’m with you, Laura.
I’m here in Texas and its a lovely sunny day. Making me very happy. Love the new flower and oh such a sweet pink. I’ll join in on the PJ day but I am a very cotton nightgown girl for sure! Hugs, Linda
Jealous!
At least when you make these crochet flowers you don’t have to worry about weeds.
That is how I feel about making the most of embroidery and other crafts where flowers feature so much.
Keep making bright colour ones and they will cheer your day. Love the pink!
Thank you, Peggy!
Hi Claudia!! I’m feeling the same as you – I hear the spring birds and see the sun getting brighter and I can’t wait for winter to be over… Hopefully, March will give way to much better days and we can get out a little!! For now, I am appeasing myself by looking at all the spring magazines on the shelves and dreaming of spring!! Have a good rest of the day!! Francine
I need to look at a gardening magazine, Francine!
Yes, I get stir crazy during these long gray winter days. The snow is pretty when it first falls, but within a day or two it’s ugly and dirty. I long to get my hands in the dirt. Gardening is grounding for me and lord knows I need help staying grounded. I am, however, really enjoying our finished basement. Just tweaked it and love it down there (in the evenings because it’s already dark) I love light filled rooms so basement time is night time. It’s so coay down there it feels like I’m being wrapped in the arms of Mother Earth.
Gardening grounds me, too, Sandy. I feel much more rooted and happier when I’m working in my garden.
I’m desiring Spring, too. I live in Northern Oregon – right near the Columbia River – so we probably have similar weather styles.. is that a term? Anyway – it’s a good idea for you to make flowers inside as they’re coming slow outside! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Hugs to you, too, Teresa!
I’m sure it must be somewhat depressing being surrounded by cold and gray for long periods of time. Here’s wishing you a long spring ahead.
We spent a lot of time in Florida last spring, in our travels, and, of course, Florida is full of retired folks. It’s so much fun hearing the ones who moved from bitter cold areas share how they came to be in Florida, and how they adore the warm climate. Their faces almost shine.
My parents live in Florida as does my sister. Though my dad misses northern Michigan, where they used to live. And my sister misses the seasons.
We’ve had lousy weather as well..I swear that Mollie is part duck..We go for walks in anything..My garage looks like a Chinese laundry..
Scout’s feet get awfully muddy!
Yep, I’m definitely feeling the same way. Blech. I just had to get out of the house today and since I needed a few groceries, I went to Trader Joes and then I stopped at Goodwill up the road. Will be joining you in my jammies on Monday!
Thanks for the invitation. :-) I’ll be home by then.
Oh yeah, this is my most unfavorite time of year. I’m not just itching for some sun and warmth, I’m literally itching. My skin and sinuses get so dry by the end of winter. It won’t be much longer now, and soon we’ll be complaining about the heat. But I wouldn’t give up my four seasons for anything
Do you ever start seedlings indoors? That satisfies my need to grow for a couple of weeks and gives me a head start on summer color. It’s easy peasy; the top of the fridge is a good warm place. When the seeds sprout you can move them to a sunny windowsill, even outdoors, to a protected area to harden them off just before you transplant.
Oh last Wednesday was indeed a miserable, grey, rainy, cold, wintry day. (It was also my birthday… AND I was sick as a dog. Not a good combination all round. *sigh*) But yes! I am so longing to be in my garden. I look out and see all the cleaning up I have to do but instead of groaning about it I’m champing at the bit, eager to go out and pull all the leaf-mulch off the beds. But I know New England well enough to know that it’s still not safe yet to do that. But soon, I hope!