The in between

If you live in New England, you know what I'm referring to.  We are currently in that time between seasons.  We can feel winter's grasp loosening ever so slightly and it's enough to give me hope.  It's fitting as this seems to sum up how I'm feeling in general.  My mood tends to swing downward during the winter months and lately, I've been frustrated with the Groundhog Day feeling that hits me every morning, which is odd because I tend to like balance and order and knowing what's ahead of me.  I need a change.  Or maybe just a vacation.

It was almost 60 degrees yesterday and the girls were able to play outside without wearing multiple layers and winter gear.  Piles of snow still stand in shady areas and along the ends of our driveway but it's melting.  It will take weeks though for the huge piles sitting in the parking lots to disappear.  Today, it was back down to 30 degrees.

We made a quick trip to the outlets this morning.  It's been about 18 months since I last purchased dressy dresses for the girls and with the spring father/daughter dance approaching, along with Easter, they needed new outfits.  Lucky for us, Gymboree has a 40% off sale going on and because it's the outlet store, the dresses are from last year - I think they're much cuter than the ones out this year.  Buying outfits for three kids adds up fast, which is why I tend to put it off for as long as possible.  (I had to say no to the adorable white purses.)  

I'm feeling a little less stressed.  A little.  I finished my brothers' tax returns and our federal return is done.  I just need to prep our Mass. return.  I'm trying to manage work.  The number of meetings I'm invited to/need to attend has been a major issue these past few weeks.  It's reached the point where I have to block off time on my calendar or I can't get any work done and staying an extra two to three hours each night for uninterrupted time is not an option.

Last weekend, I began to experiment with my embroidery machine.  It was actually beginning to frustrate me that I've had it for months but hadn't even attempted to use it.  Experiment is a good word too, as you shall see.  I did finish up a sewing project I'll share sometime this week.

And hopefully, these will be the last winter photos of the season.





Every Sunday night, I sigh and say, "Where did the past three days go?"