how not to take a compliment

I was with a lady friend the other day and she asked "Have I ever told you how much I love your hair?"

I of course responded with "Oh....I hate my hair."

At what age do we learn to take compliments?

the first of its kind

My first gray hair didn't last very long. Naturally, playing with it led to its falling out. I always said that when this day would come, I'd accept it. But now its here and I'm noticing all of my husband's stray grays. I wonder if they are contagious...

a quote to take to heart

To be interested in the changing of seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring. --George Santayana, Reason and Art

I heart goats

It could be my affinity towards goats that has my radar up at unusual times. When recently working on a large email project at work I came across an address that was goats@ ___.com. I couldn't help my giggles and excitement. The owner of the adorable email address had the first initial of G and last name Oats. I wonder if when giving it out, he says G Oats @ such and such dot com. Or if he enjoys it and simply says "goats". I certainly would boldly assert the name of the adorable animal who can either be fainting, mountain climbing, or just plain cute.

domestic goddess

Dinner is in the oven...
cornbread stuffing (my first attempt at stuffing)
garnet yams
thyme chicken breast (with the skin on)

This is a meal I've been waiting to make until I had all my ducks in order (husband had to put butter under skin the night before, must be home early enough to get it cooked before he gets home, get the nerve to try so many new things).

So now my house smells yummy and I'm feeling accomplished. No matter how it turns out (bland, burnt, or bad) I'm satisfied. I'm learning that cooking is all about trying, not succeeding.

sweet reminder

The other day at work, I was chatting with a very kind woman about an outstanding invoice (I collect money for my company, part of the job as an accountant). This particular nice woman did not have our invoice on file. She gave me her email address and I almost giggled into the receiver....

bnice@------.com

Hmmmm....bnice. Be nice.

I'm sure that she has had more comments on her name than she cares to count, but it touched my heart.

a pinch of spring

The last few days have given me some hope that New England will see spring this year. I know, it is only February, but the mountains of snow that keep us from parking near the curb make my car ache for sunny days. While driving home, I noticed a neighbor taking advantage of the semi-melting ice piles. So I took off my winter coat and attacked our ice piles on the sidewalk. After half an hour of intense effort, our sidewalks are completely clear. When my husband drives up in a few minutes he will be able to park inches from the sidewalk!

Right now the neighborhood kids are playing in the street; something I haven't heard them do in months. I even splurged and opened a living room window so that the cat could partake in the almost-spring festivities.

I know that this weekend the temperatures will drop below freezing again. My winter coat will get plenty of use between now and when the tulip bulbs come up. But I have hope. Hope in a day when I can leave the house in less than three layers and my heated corn bags won't be needed for me to fall asleep.