A Daybook Entry: March 2024

Happy Monday friends!  I didn’t realize it, but I did not do a daybook entry for February.  Hmmm.  Not exactly sure why as I was hoping to have (at least) one each month.  That said, I will take full advantage of it being early in the month and get one done today – for March.  As slow as February was to come to an end, I have to admit it does seem “strange” that March is already here.  I’m not complaining although I am was not impressed with winter’s last gasp yesterday.  I was rather underdressed for the weather yesterday at church.  It turned cold.  Ah, and those March winds!  Goodness.  However, the weather reports are promising me spring will return this week.  I am counting on it (and the weather reports never disappoint, right??!)  Let’s move on with today’s daybook….

The Weather – as I already mentioned, looks promising.  Promises of spring, that is!  In the 70s most days and even 75 by mid week.  Cue my happy dance.  These are the days I was born for:)  We fertilized the yard over the weekend and I think it is time to head to the nursery for some flowers!!  Spring will have sprung in my yard by week’s end!!

As I look outside my window  – the first spring trees are in full bloom.  We don’t have one in our yard but there are several beautifully pink budded trees up and down the street.  I have never suffered from allergies (and am so thankful) and I throughly enjoy this time of year.  Every tree makes me giddy as if I’ve never seen such a beautiful tree before!

This morning, I am – going to scripture assembly.  We do this about once a month at church.  Scriptures are printed at a press in Pennsylvania and then local churches assembly those scriptures into John and Romans booklets.  We typically put together between four and five thousand each time we work together.  Later today, we have someone coming for an estimate to replace one of our air conditioners.  Ugh.  We had one replaced last year (or was it the year before that??) but we were able to make due with the second unit.  Until the very end of last summer.  It was dying a slow death and needs to be replaced before we actually need it.

Lately, I have been thinking about – nursing home care.  I know, not exactly the cheeriest of thoughts but I have a sweet friend who is currently in a local nursing home/rehab center recovering from a broken hip.  It is the worst of places and my heart so hurts for her.  I do not know how these type of places continue to exist.  I am so sad for each and every resident there but especially for my friend.  It is hard not to think about it (the situation) and her all the time.  I pray she can change facilities or otherwise get out of there soon.  I also know some (many) there will never get to leave.  It is overwhelming.

On the menu this week – a fresh attempt at sourdough.  I made one beautiful and delicious loaf but all attempts after that were pitifully underwhelming.  I had about decided to end my admittedly short-lived sourdough journey…but some friends, yesterday, convinced to try again.  To press on.  And I agreed.  I have watched (if I were to guess) about 20 different videos on the perfect way to sourdough success.  And I have watched 20 totally different theories/approches/suggested routines.  How can they all be different??  It is confusing and, apparently, confusing makes me want to throw in the towel.

What I’m wearing – winter-type clothes one minute and spring ones the next.  It is that time of year!!  I am ready for the spring-time clothes.  I am ready for dresses.  And sandals.  And maxi-skirts.  But sometimes, I need my coat overtop:)

I’m looking around the house – and I am so happy to see all the bunnies.  They made it out of their bin and scattered around the house – onto the shelves and end tables.  Not too much but just enough to make me smile as I walk from room to room.  There was also a good dusting at the beginning of the process which also makes me smile!  With the bunnies, I replaced all the more winter like greenery with spring!  Are you sensing a theme with this daybook?  Spring is in the air, on my mind and making me smile!!

My To-Do List – includes changing the shower curtains in our bathrooms (I just noticed one is still winter-themed…oops), getting a couple birthday envelopes in the mail, working (once again) on that sourdough starter, organizing my Junior Church classroom decorations (those bins need some purging), and finding more ways to encourage and help my friend.

A thought to share – Faithfulness is not a race.  Nor is it a competition.  These thoughts have encouraged me more than once the last few weeks.  I often find this season of life challenging…which is only made worse when I begin comparing.  What are others doing in this season?  How does he/she/everyone else but me seem to be not only enjoying this season but also making it so productive, etc. etc.??  Another thought I read and have adapted, a bit, for myself.  God isn’t asking me to be famous…but to be faithful.  He wants me to be faithful before, after or even without any “great works” – signs of success or signficant achievement.  That is what He desires.

And, from my camera.  One more bunny photo.  The photos I included are not great.  And the bunnies do not look nearly as cute as they do in person…but I include this one as these pair is one of just a few that I have left from when the children were young.  They remind me of those days.  Days when seasonal decorating was fun and created such excitment.  Seems like a liftetime ago but the memories are still great!!  This bunny pair is old and rather vintage – just like the two of us empty-nesters now!!:)