The Ides of March - 2007

Here it is mid-March in Central Virginia and the warmth of the past few days has allowed the spring flowers (crocus, daffodils, and even some trees including my big tulip tree) to begin to bloom. How beautiful, simply breath-taking. Spring is my favorite season of the year, and it is especially wonderful here in Virginia. The warm spring mornings (yes, we've already had a couple) seem to force the birds to sing louder (right outside my bedroom window sometimes way too early) and the days seem brighter. We're supposed to have some spring showers arriving soon - nothing smells better than a rainy spring day - moist and soft. So, I'm thinking about change - change of seasons, change of energy focus. I know that it's time to feel the rejuvenation of spring in my body and my soul. I can always tell others what they can do to start anew, but telling myself is another story. I hope to be able to find more quiet times, enjoy my days more, spend more time with my husband, my dog, and my five great cats - what love they share.

Speaking of my dog, I think I'll introduce her. Her name is Missy. She's a seven-year-old big black Newfoundland weighing in at about 115 pounds. We got her from Newfoundland Rescue when she was 14 months old and a handfull. Now she's grown up and she's gentle and kind to all. Although she loves me, she adores my husband, Brian. She lights up when he walks into a room. Unfortunately she gets a stiff neck on occasion and that's what has happened the past several days. She sleeps "wrong" and can't move her neck - it's so pitiful because she has that look in her eyes that says, "What's going on here? Why can't I move my neck? It hurts." Poor thing, her neck is locked to the right so she walks in little circles to the right. We have to stop her, hold her, and aim her in a forward direction. A trip to the chiropractor gave her immediate relief, but unfortunately a day later the stiffness came back. We're massaging her, but it seems to come and go at will. All we can do is send her lots of healing energy and watch her carefully. At least she's still eating well - never a problem for her thankfully.

So, other than a big dog with a big neck problem, the day is beautiful. I hope I can take advantage of the warm breeze and sit outside for a while. I'll be picking up my beautiful granddaughter Ava Grace at 2:45 and we'll get to play outside. Having a 3 1/2 year old around is certainly joyous. I can swing, color, read books, play games, etc. What a good excuse to be childlike again. We should all visit that innocent place on a regular basis. Back soon.