Finally, the longed-for arrival of an unmistakably spring-like day. Just in time for Passover/Easter; nature's gift to us. And don't we appreciate it?

 

We are able to sit out in the backyard's micro climate in shirt sleeves, no jackets, unaccustomed freedom after a long, hard, extremely cold winter. And when we ventured into the ravine for a ramble, knowing full well there would be mucky areas we'd encounter along with the icy slides due to melting snow, we knew also we'd be warm enough with the 14-degree-high this day would bring, to shrug off winter jackets and pull on light spring jackets instead.

What we were wearing was echoed in what Jack and Jill also wore; light covering to protect from the cold emanating from the thick layers of snow and ice underfoot, but adequate to the ambient temperature regardless. This turned out to be a long, long walk. Before we even got to the ravine entrance there were neighbours to stop and talk with awhile. And once in the ravine there were other acquaintances whom we came across and then too there were lengthy pauses while we shared animated conversations about many things - but weather is always at the top of the talking-agenda.

When we arrived back home finally, we decided since it was so sunny with light and heat streaming through our windows and the house feeling really comfortable, to give Jack and Jill a bath. And so we did. They weren't sure what they thought of the experience; immersion in warm water is a new sensation for them, but being wrapped in soft towels made up for their initial trepidation. And then, romping about afterward and lazing in the sun worked very well indeed.

For tonight: pumpkin pie I baked after breakfast, a challah the ingredients for which my husband put in the breadmaker, turkey breast, roasted potatoes, roasted cauliflower and tomatoes roasted with plenty of fresh basil and onion in olive oil.