Evidence of Spring(s)

Can this really be?  After our "lion" weather just last week, this is unbelievably beautiful.

(But I'm still sick, so I'm still wrapped up as if there wasn't a 20+ degree temperature difference.)

Unfortunately, it means the roads and sidewalks are a slushy mess, but James loves it.

"Bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun!"
~ Chorus Of Winnie The Pooh - The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers Lyrics | MetroLyrics

I kept asking him if his feet felt cold or wet -- each time he says no.  But when we get home, Paul and I had to pour out his boots.

Le sigh.  Of course I worry he'll get sick... But he's so happy...

Except when he broke his stick.

James and Jackie's Afternoon Out

Grandma, can we go out?



Yes?  Yay!













My excitement waned a little when I realised going out also meant going inside shops (below).  But it didn't stop me from smiling at the lady at Sabrina Butterfly.

Next to Mandolin Books and Coffee for a little rest and snack.

Then back outside for the best part: going fast in the stroller!  

The sun was shining and it was warming up.  Since we were already out, we waited for Daddy at the bus stop.  He was definitely surprised.

(Below: Strawberries in bloom.)

Adventure: An Outdoor Jaunt

Don't tell anyone: I left the house with James on my own! A historic event!

All wrapped up in the K'Tan carrier, James probably didn't even noticed how beautiful the weather is - but I did.  Spring must surely be here.  I exam the front yard: The tulips looked even better up close, and 2 out of 3 haksap / honeyberry bushes have come back for sure (the other, maybe).

My newborn foal legs - all unbalanced again with James in my front took us to  Mandolin Books & Coffee without incident.  We picked up a birthday gift, and turned back -- bumping into Paul!  A nice surprise.  We held hands on the short walk -- and it triggered a image/memory in my head (something I'd imagined being a parent would be like, before James came).

Anyway, I was exhilarated.  (Which probably means I do have a problem...)

James seemed pretty happy too.

Outside! Free... Fear.

I'm so not supposed to be outside.  (That's likely part of the thrill.)

But, I justify my outing: I need to get some to get some things printed for work - there's still so much paperwork to be done.  The truth is though, I don't like being cooped inside.

I saw the strawberries peeking out of the half-melted snow -- a sign of almost spring?  It makes it hopeful.

But, I can also feel my body aches a bit more.  My posture has changed and standing up straight, walking... everything is a little harder.

I felt a chill with the wind - such a small breeze and I'm shivering.  I hate feeling this weak and I start worrying, maybe my body isn't ready for this.

Back at home, I show Paul my photos from the week.  He laughs: "Why are there all these birds in between photos of James?"

It's what I see!*

He thinks I should leave them in rather than split them off into a different folder: "When we look back on the collection, he'll wonder why the heck there were so many of the same birds."

(They're not actually all the same, see, a nuthatch, a woodpecker...)

It's good to laugh.  It warms me up a bit.

I also eat the "Ginger Vinegar" (薑醋) Mom's made me.  It's a traditional dish for new moms to help them heal their bodies.  Often made in large batches so it can also be shared with friends and families to celebrate the new baby (after the first month).  Aside from the ginger and (sweet dark) vinegar, it's made with pork hock, hard boiled eggs, and sugar.

I really don't like the sweet and sour taste (I add rice to try and dampen it), but maybe it will help make me feel better.

* And, it's my link to the outside. (And, because I'm a character in a book, it's also reveals my inner state.)

Sheep Hunt

Is that you Coconut?  

I think it was Paul who spotted the sheep in the window.  But I'm pretty sure it was me who wanted to find it.

And we're off!

Closer...

... closer...

... and even closer!

And then:

What the heck?  (Golden Cockerel's Polite Erotica: A Legacy of Endurance and Distinction by Robert J. Desmarais)

Well, we kind of found it?  The sheep-(and cockerel?)-loving professor's private office was locked.  But his/her collection spilled into the shared office space, which an administrator let us walk through.

Hello and goodbye, distant relatives of Coconut, we wish you well.  It seems you're in a pretty cool place.

Above: Artwork near Cameron Library.  It sure looks like Edmonton to me.