April Showers have begun to fall and the lawn is developing this beautiful emerald color, trees are beginning to pop and the buds on my daffodils are swelling.  I’m hoping this year that they will actually bloom.  Last Spring was not kind – we had a warm spell and then a freeze – darn near killed most growing things that felt safe to come out again.

So far, so good this year.  My husband and I did some serious yard work over the past 2 weeks getting things all cleaned up for a visit from my brother – he hasn’t been here since 2000 and has never seen my house.  I admit I was a bit nervous about getting his approval.  He is a true city dwelling, living on the 15th floor in a beautiful condo in downtown San Diego with a view of San Diego Bay from the balcony.  I live in a typically blue collar neighborhood, but also have a lovely view of a city park with walking trails that run alongside a creek.  I get to see the ducks fly overhead and land into the creek at full speed.  My brother gets to see the jets fly overhead and land at Lindbergh Field.

Instead of the balcony, we have a deck that we built ourselves (and very well, too.)  More plans for the backyard include a small area with a couple of gardens and a covered patio area where we can sit and listen to the rain on a warm summer evening.  Plans will have a wait a month or two.  

In May I head out to L.A. to sing at The Getty and then head down to San Diego to celebrate my mother’s birthday.  A few weeks later, in June, I will return with The Rose Ensemble to sing in Legnano, Italy where we have been invited back for a repeat visit to the La Fabbrica del Canto International Choral Festival. 

Needless to say, I’m thrilled it’s finally Spring in Minnesota.  The down has been put away and the umbrella has been taken out. Looking forward to those May flowers!

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