After too many cold, gray, snowy days, Alan and I spent a warm and fragrant afternoon at the Krohn Conservatory last month.

The weather inside was absolutely perfect, and gave us hope that Spring would arrive ... eventually!

There was a display of Spring blooms - everything from hyacinths to tulips to daffodils. The backdrop of lush citrus trees was delicious to smell.

Walking into such a bright and flower-filled world was exactly the antidote we needed for those confining days of snow and ice. Every room was a delight with orchids, gardenias, cacti and every shade of green imaginable!

As we stood on the bridge next to the 20' waterfall, we watched contented koi swim tranquilly along the rock lined stream beneath our feet. Ahhhhhh.

It's the third week of the first month of a new year and we're finally being treated to some winter weather for more than a week! Our skies are light gray and the air is cleanly cold. Although there is a chance for flurries over the next few days, it seems unlikely that a real snow will arrive before the end of this month ... but we'll stay stocked up with bread and milk, just in case!
We've had a wonderful time these past few weeks; visiting family and friends for the holidays, then returning home in time to throw a casual, pot luck "Beat the Winter Doldrums" party. It's always so nice to spend the evening with laughter and good food. People's lives are so crowded and noisy and full that to find the time to sit and talk and catch up a bit is almost a luxury.
Next month we'll have a Breast Cancer/ACS fund raising party. Alan refers to it as the "Hen Party", which I suppose it is, just with a pink tint!
When the year is seen as a succession of holidays and parties, time does fly! Before we know it, March will arrive with the first hints of green spring and Alan's birthday ushering us into those April showers!