I read in the paper today that the weather in NC “has more ups and downs than a recession-plagued stock market.” I would not disagree with that. In fact, it was so pretty this weekend that I worked in the yard, cleaned off the patio, painted some stuff and took some pictures.

My tulip tree makes a showy first appearance

Making friends

This weekend was a far cry from last week when we had snow delays and gray flake-filled clouds. My daffodils survived the chill, however, and have lived to see another day.

Wintery clouds behind springtime flowers

Alright, that’s enough of my foray into nature photography. Had I not been so lazy yesterday, I might have been inclined to snap a picture or two of the pear tree blossoming over my driveway, but I was ensconced in a book about the beach and I couldn’t be bothered.

Yesterday it was 83 degrees on my way home (early) from work, so I took full advantage and spread out on the patio in my summer clothes and attempted to un-whiten my pasty self. Two and a half hours and one book later, my arms were a little pink and I was as content as my cats seem to be every single day. The problem, see, was that all I could think about was being at the beach, when I can get to the beach next, who’s got a house I can invite myself to, the favors I can promise someone so long as they’ll give me a weekend – A DAY! – at their place on the water. (Are you listening, AP? I’ll make you gluten-free cakes from now until eternity! I promise!)

Talk about a stress-buster. And then! THEN! Melissa Rycroft turned up on Dancing With The Stars. You are so very clever, ABC. I really wasn’t expecting that one. Also this week, Idol is back tonight with the hometown fave, Anoop Desai, and then Thursday is the start of the ACC tourney.

Do you REALLY have to ask why I love Spring Break?