The more things change . . .

The plans for April have changed. We were going to go to Las Vegas for a business meeting, for two days. Well, each of the cars we tentatively planned to take have had issues. We rode home from Salina, Ks. in a tow truck yesterday. Because we had the car towed to our house instead of to the dealership, the insurance would not pay the whole bill. We knew that. It was actually the suggestion of the insurance office, though, because she knew that the dealership would take quite a while and charge us several hundred dollars, we still would need to get home, and chances are, Bob can fix the car right in our driveway for much less.
As a result of this extra expense, and MY insecurity about taking our cars that far, we have decided not to go. The price of gas is still going up, and we have decided we could take three fun trips for about the same amount, without going into debt. We were going to have three expensive nights in a hotel there and gasoline, and food, and two or three nights on the road.
I have been going to the YMCA for a little over two weeks, and I have purchased one of the "shaker weights" and some Danskin brand shape up shoes. I am beginning to see results. I have lost about five pounds of the weight I gained around Christmas. The shoes . . . well I do not know if they make me look more toned, but they make me feel like I have incredible posture. So they are a good deal as far as I am concerned. My arms are toning, I cannot say absolutely that it is the shaker weight, it could be the water walking. Overall, I am pleased.
Spring is here. I planted peas on St. Patrick's day. I have blooming daffodils and crocus. My tomato seeds have come up.
I am looking at more online writing, or a job. I will write here again, soon.

Heather

Wichita Garden Show

I have on occasion attended this show for about twenty five years. I have a blue spruce tree in my front yard that was a seedling given to one of my children the first time I went with a friend. It is taller than a house now, I think. It is amazing how a concrete coliseum can be converted into spring gardens in just a few days.
This year the theme was movies and various exhibitors did themed gardens to go along with them. We saw Mr. Myagi's patio from Karate Kid, and a garden from UP, and The Secret Garden. Jurassic Park and Avatar had gardens and walk through areas as well. Kansas State Extension wants us to get into the gardening Hobbit, and they had a Hobbit home and raised garden. See the round green door in my photo?
Our senses were filled with the sounds of water and the smells of soil and flowers. Our eyes were delighted with greenery and beautiful colors. It was a spring vacation in one day.
Like everything else, this show has become expensive, and also very commercial. Exhibitors do not just want to show you their wares, they want to sell them to you, today, right now!
I have a lot of pictures and many business cards to sort through. I have websites I would love to visit. Meanwhile, we are expecting rain, freezing rain and possibly snow in the next day or two, then warm weather by Friday.
In an act of hope I sprinkled grass seed on bare spots in my yard and got peat pellets to put tomato seeds in.
I am looking forward to Spring.

Have a wonderful week.