five things, march 15 edition

1. I think whoever came up with the idea to have the Monday after Spring Break to be the same day as the first Monday of Daylight Savings needs a stern talking to. Who do I need to see?

2. I think I was absolutely riveted to all of this Pope stuff this week. It happened to me last time, eight years ago, too. I'm not Catholic, or even especially religious, but all the pomp and ritual is absolutely fascinating to me. I've loved learning about every little behind-the-scenes detail. And it's been so moving. How can you not be moved for all those people who wait so anxiously for word, in the rain, and then are so joyous?

3. I think I've had some wildly swinging reading interests in the last week. This book, which, well, no comment. Christine, if you want to know what I really thought about it, shoot me an email, 'kay? As an avid and ongoing reader of The Little House on the Prairie Books, I was thrilled when my friend Megan sent me Wendy McClure's The Wilder Life. I loved this book. It was like reading my biography. If only I were funnier. And since, (as Ruth guessed) twisting newspaper into tight wads to get our wet wood to light when the power was out during our stay on the mountain reminded me of The Long Winter, I'm full-force back into a Little House kick. Finished TLW last night, Little Town on the Prairie, here I come.

4. I think I'm in a bit of a funk.Undetermined cause, at the moment. My mom says funks can come right before a big creative push, but right now I just feel blah and blue and not really good at much. A hike with my friend Tracy this week helped immeasurably, and the notion of supper club on Sunday gives me something to look forward to. But right now? Right now I'm feeling just a little blue.

5. I think today's a day we've, but mostly Callum, been waiting on for quite awhile now. First baseball game of the season. When Callum started Little League (was it really only last year?) all he wanted was to someday play for his school. It was a long road of tryouts (nearly two weeks) and anxiety about cuts, but here we are. He made the team. He's been practicing hard, and each day it seems he comes home with some new piece of gear (please god, help me with the white pants). So if you can, think of me and Neel, sitting in the stands around 4 PM today, and if you will, think of #14 a little too.

Five things, dream come true edition

1. I think I couldn't have asked for a better Spring Break. Really. As I'm typing this post, Neel and Callum are finally, FINALLY spending the day on the slopes, and the pups (2 out of 3) and I are tucked in cozily in front of the fire. The snow is piled high outside and the wind is still whipping. I couldn't be happier, really.

2. I think it'll be Tuesday before I tell you the story of our adventure. Is that okay? It's been an adventure, for sure! Most of my pictures during the storm (and all of the ones above) came from my phone, but I was able to get Big Daddy out for a bit. I can't wait to show you how beautiful it is here.

3. I think, if you're looking to rent a condo at Wintergreen for 2-4 people, you can NOT go wrong with the one we stayed in. Gorgeous views, convenient, affordable, and not just pet friendly, but pet welcoming. It was perfect. To top it off, the owners were absolutely AMAZING. Gracious and welcoming before we even left on our trip, they went above and beyond once it was clear we were snowed in. I can't recommend them highly enough, and if you do decide to try it out, let them know we sent you. We'll definitely be coming back. My boy loves to ski.

4. I think it's so interesting how vacations, even mini ones, can coalesce your thinking for you. I miss mountains. As you may know, I grew up in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and those rolling hills are part of my DNA. Driving up into the mountain on Tuesday afternoon felt like coming home. The view out the patio doors of this codo appeals to me more almost than any other, even the ocean, and that's a revelation. The Tidewater of Virginia has spectacular beauty, but it's pretty flat (wink). I'm also reminded of how much I love small-space living. I've said it again and again, much as I love our (little) gray house, and as perfect as it is for this time in our lives (raising our kid), I look forward to the day when we can open up the spaces and downsize. (Even Callum got it. Direct quote: "You know? I really like a small house like this. But I want to live in a mansion when I grow up.") One bedroom/One bath like the condo we stayed in? That's a bit small. But the truth is, we do the bulk of our living in such a small part of our current home. We don't need much more room than that in the long run. I have dreams, people.

5. So I think this little getaway was just what the doctor ordered for my family. We finally got in the skiing, and I got the snow I've been desperately craving. Add the adventure of a big storm to boot; who could ask for more? Our dogs did great, and it was so nice to cozy up with Miss Violet. We live at the beach, I think it only makes sense that we'd enjoy vacationing in the snow. Do you have a dream vacation spot? How about a dream weekend? Right now mine involves re-entry. Grabbing some groceries, getting Callum to baseball practice and gearing up to get back at it, only this time, we all feel better. Refreshed.