I have been working hard to get up before Florence wakes.

which by the way has been so stinkin hard 

I have found I am able to handle the days adventures if I start my morning quietly - time spent in the word, a cup of coffee without interruption and getting out my pajamas before she is up makes a world of difference.

 I also get to hear Florences chatter to her stuffed animals and to Mercy -who is sharing a room with Florence and kindly puts up with a great deal.  

Recently I heard from Florence:

I hear the birds!

Mercy! I hear the birds singing...

Do you hear them Mercy?

Auntie Mercy! Do you hear the birds??!

 

No response from Mercy.

I decided that it might be a good idea to get my girl up out of bed before her exuberance for something beautiful disrupted Mercy's sleep any further.

The daffodils are blooming...it's like celebration of Spring all over Syracuse!
Last Tuesday Florence and I picked one before it was in full bloom to watch it open.

Wednesday Caitlyn came for coffee. We sat in the kitchen with the daffodil (so bright and cheerful!). She held my boy and we talked about life - things like:  How's the meal planning going?and, how can we mix simplicity with beauty in our homes? (Caitlyn is reading The Hidden Art of Homemaking by Edith Schaeffer).  I got out my camera for the first time in ages and tried to capture the simple pleasures of the afternoon. I think I just about got it - almost.