Waiting for Spring

This year more than ever, I've anxiously awaited for Spring to arrive.  Even though it's not been a particularly bad winter, I'm ready to play in the garden.  

For the first time ever, we have a pair of bluebirds in our garden.  It's such a happy sight to see them flitting about eating and preparing to build a home together!  

Here is the couple taking turns at the suet feeder.

It's quite surprising to see them up so close to our home.

Inside I've added a shamrock banner to the kitchen window.

I've never had a pot of shamrocks.  My new blog friend Teresa has the most lovely ones in green and purple.  We looked all over for them and now they are everywhere.  I understand they make great houseplants, so we'll see.

This is my first time making Irish Soda bread in my Mama's cast iron pan.  It was yummy with tea.  I used This recipe made with raisins as my family is not a fan of caraway seeds.

The side garden was freshened up with the mulched oak tree chips that was removed last year.  We've had several bouquets of daffodils that always say Spring to me.

The hellebores are blooming quite profusely in our beds.  Their sweet little nodding heads remind me that Spring is coming even on the last of cold winter days.

Another reminder that Spring is coming is when I can hang the sheets outside.  When we had a tree removed last year, I lost my clothesline.  No fancy line here, just clothesline strung between two trees.  It makes me happy to hang our linens outside!  Today is so windy I had to use extra clothespins.

We are excited to have our daughter come on the train tomorrow for a visit.  We'll also be celebrating our grandson's fifteenth birthday.  Sending you happy days my friends. ♥