A spring hodgepodge

Spring is now officially here according to our calendars and we are therefore joining up with Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for a Spring Hodgepodge. Join in the fun, answer the questions, and link up with her right here!

1. Has spring sprung in your little corner of the world? Other than the calendar how would I know? What's your favorite thing about spring?

In Texas! Bluebonnets!

Our lawn has turned green, dandelions everywhere, Carolina jasmine bloomed and faded, peonies popping up, redbuds budding, blooming Bartlett pear trees, dazzling daffodils, and the feeling that I need to get busy with spring cleaning. 

My favorite thing about spring is seeing the plants and trees and flowers coming back to life and the way it feels when you step outside. The atmosphere just seems to kind of caress you with its gentleness. I love it. 

Reality check here: when you step outside, you are whipped about by the Texas wind which is not much on caressing!!! 

One of my younger friends just posted on Facebook: "Whew! Nothing like a run after your stroller going clear across the parking lot due to the wind to get your heart racing. It also blew two of my kids over at recess."


2. Besides the weather, what's put a spring in your step recently?

Being thankful I still have a spring in my step. No kidding. Walking about the mall or in the grocery store, going up and down stairs, I just feel this joy inside me of being happy and thankful. Makes me want to dance.

3. How does Easter impact you?

With joy and thanksgiving. The cross changed everything. Jesus' sacrifice of Himself for my sins means I have new life, and I can live with hope and expectation that all God's promises in the Bible are true and that everything in my life on this earth is impacted by His love and grace for me. 

and an empty tomb!

4. I saw this somewhere on Facebook and thought it would make a fun Hodgepodge question. Which of the following would you find most disappointing...

a just stuffed taco shell breaking open and spilling out before you take the first bite? dropping a just-purchased Starbucks/Dunkin Donuts coffee? opening the peanut butter jar and finding it empty? upending onto the sidewalk a just-purchased ice cream cone? a burnt bagel popping up in your toaster when you're rushing breakfast? or cutting into an avocado and finding out it's rotten? 

Toss-up:

If I sprung for a Starbucks, that must mean I really, really wanted that cup of coffee and I would be very disappointed. But I think cutting an avocado and finding it rotten disappoints because number one, I chose the avocado over the other stuff because it's good for me and two, I love a good avocado.  The price of an avocado is dear. 

5. What's something held together with tape at your house? Or a paper clip? Or a wing and a prayer?

The back of a picture frame. 

6. Do you feel under appreciated? In what way? 

I don't think my dog appreciates how I anticipate all her needs and carry her outside, no matter the weather, watch her to protect her, and then go back out, pick her up and bring her inside. When she circles round and round, I pick her up and place her in her bed and rub her ears to calm and soothe her. Her food and water bowls are always full. I think she knows I love her. Just can't say she appreciates me.  Bless her heart. I'm glad to do it.

7. What's something you'd build if you knew how?

Bookcases for my sitting/reading room.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I want to see some of this.

I want to see loads of colorful flowers in my back yard this summer as we did last year. I would like to see the weeds magically disappear. Someone is going to have to pry me out of my comfortable chair to make that happen.