Monday …

Ann Schwartz

April 1

Okay, so it's Easter Monday.

As usual, I dreamt that I had a lot planned, but in the light of day … not so much. Quite a few people ask what I do in all my free time now that I'm retired, and I often answer, "I feel like I'm catching up."

At some point, I need to ready the house in town for the next person who wants it. I had reserved it for family for the last part of March and first half of April, then both Susan's family and Beth's had to cancel.

Sometimes it is hard for me to keep track: I would rather the house be vacant for a few days here and there than cause chaos because I forgot a reservation. I do try to keep track diligently.

It's a gorgeous day, just below freezing at the moment. There is a myriad of jobs to do and I hardly know where to start, but it's mostly pleasant work.

Feels like time to plant the planters … but we will get hard frosts until mid-May.

We have just Sunflower and Maggie boarding at this time. Rocky was here for his nursing owner's overnight shift.

Maggie, always quiet and composed.

Last week, I bought a long extension ladder with the sole intention of using it as trellis. I have other unused ladders around and am planning to "rig" a sturdy vine-covered lid for the one remaining outdoor kennel in the front yard.

I love solving a puzzle and meeting a challenge. This project sounds like a real "redneck" kind of deal but I know from experience that a roof of ladders and Virginia Creeper will look presentable.

Last fall, upon my announcement of retirement, three friends bought all but the one dog run "out front". I couldn't bear to disassemble just one, and plan to dig up and move all the roots of my favourite vine over to that kennel.

The ground is still frozen, but I'm anxious to get started.

Photos later.

Hope your day is lovely.

~ Ann