Here I am one evening in October, feeling guilty about how long it has been since the last time I shared with you. I thought of all the reasons why I have not written and though they are reasons to me, they may seem like excuses to you. First of all, know that Lars and I love having a web presence. We send texts and emails every day and I also Facebook and use Instagram. The thing is that despite all of those tools, larskim.com is the place where we get to share a different side of us with you.

You have come here voluntarily because you are interested in something that we are doing. Who wouldn’t be excited by that? I have always believed that most of us are trying to find adult ways to do what kids are very clear about; when they want attention they say “hey, look at me!” We adults spend the rest of our lives doing the same thing but never directly. Instead we try to excel at work and other pursuits with the goal of being recognized. Being seen not necessarily for glory or adulation but to be seen as someone interesting and accomplished. It feels good so we keep on doing it.

I say all of that to admit to you that I have been seeing someone else…Yes, I am guilty. Lars and I became grandparents this spring! Our grandson Kaleb was born six weeks early back in April. He was so tiny and needed to stay in the hospital for a while. He’s doing great now and is five months old. We have been spending a lot of time with him and supporting his parents in any way that we can.

I can’t tell you how much love and joy he has brought to our lives. There has been worry and tears as well. Lars mother passed away before she had a chance to see her great grandson. We grieved but took some solace in the knowledge that she was well loved. You learn a lot about a person when they pass on. Her friends and other family members shared great stories about her. We pray that our Kaleb will have many experiences and fond memories of us over the years.

So that’s what we have been up to. No excuses, just life. We’re, I mean, I, am finally giving the baby some breathing room and taking some time to fill you in. Thanks for stopping by, I’ve missed you. Thanks for looking at me.

Kim

What a strange and long winter. I spent half of it panicking that a repeat of winter 2015 was going to occur. I expected tons of snow, lots of shoveling, and lots of complaining. Fortunately, the only negative fulfilled was the complaining part. Come on, I live in New England!

There were several snow storms that caused lots of damage to plants and closed schools but nothing like 2015. We were cold but not as cold as usual. It’s just that winter dragged on. It was cloudy and dark and so were my moods. I finally bought some daylight light bulbs and they helped lift my mood some.

My husband and I experienced great joy when we received wonderful news this winter; our daughter and son -in- law are expecting! They are not finding out the gender of the baby ahead of time so there is lots of mystery and surprise in our future.

We also experienced some sadness because our out door stray cat was hit by a car. She survived and somehow made it back to our house and the shelter we built for her. Sadly, we had to give her up to an animal shelter that promised to fix her up (a long term process) and give her a forever home.

So despite complaining, my feelings have been mostly up this winter. I am ready for spring and the hope that it symbolizes. I am grateful to be alive under all circumstances and have much to be thankful for. I was excited by the hawk that my husband wrote about in the last blog entry. I love nature because it continues on despite the efforts of humankind to overpower it. The future is open and bright. The Boston Flower Show is next week so things are looking up already! I pray that life is kind to you.

Kim                                         

Wow! Time keeps moving along whether we are ready for it or not. My husband and I will be updating this site over the summer and hope to bring you new and interesting articles, tutorials, and items.

We hope that you have a fun filled and sun filled summer; along with good health and the opportunity to enjoy it.         

We will see you back here by the end of the summer. Be careful out there!

Kim                           

Spring! Last week I attended the annual flower show at the Boston Seaport Center. The weather cooperated. There was no snow or rain and the sun was shining despite the cold weather. The more than 108 inches of snow seems to have melted down to 12 or so inches and open pavement can be seen.

My husband and I ventured into town on the train which was free that day as a thank you to folks who were inconvenienced by the terrible weather over the past 6 weeks.

The flowers were beautiful and left me feeling happy and hopeful. I don’t have a lot to say today except stay positive even when it is difficult to do so. Our attitude is the only thing we have full control over. That is my intent.

Take care!

Kim

I hesitate to make a joke about the horrible weather we are having in New England because that would be expected and childish. But what’s wrong with fulfilling people’s expectations and having a few laughs? Nature has dumped more than 100 inches of snow on Boston, Massachusetts and if you don’t think that is funny you might go crazy.

The only thing giving me solace is my dream of attending the horticultural show in the middle of March. I have dreams of spring but fear that snow will prevent me from attending the show. I have been receiving seed catalogs and when my mail shows up it is often a magazine beckoning me to start planting something.

I am trying very hard to appreciate the present. The snow has given me opportunities to spend more time inside with my family. The snow has given me a way to exercise outdoors. Shoveling snow burns a lot of calories of course it also makes me want to drink hot chocolate or eat a brownie but I digress. Two of the things I enjoy most is watching the birds eat everything I can throw at them and observing the foot prints of many interesting animals.

I truly hope that the next time that I write a post that the weather has improved and that I have lovely pictures from the show. If that doesn’t happen I will bring a better attitude and attempt a joke or two.

Take care,

Kim

November Mandevilla

A few weeks ago the temperature in Boston, Massachusetts was in the 60s and 70s. I had flowers growing in my garden in the middle of November. This is somewhat unusual. Today the temps are in the 30s and it is snowing. I will state the obvious and say that winter is actually here now. In many ways I am happy to see it.

Oh I hate being extremely cold. The kind of cold that makes you scrunch up your face and complete whatever outdoor activity that you have as quickly as you can but cold, no wind and bright skies- I can deal with. Also, my  birthday is this month so I am happy to be alive no  matter what the weather is like!

winter floral arrangement

This is my favorite time of year because Thanksgiving gives you a chance to see people you love and eat food of types and quantities that you don’t usually. I already stated that my birthday is in December and I truly enjoy both the religious and secular aspects of Christmas.

I’m sure that you are as busy as I am right now so I want to take the time to wish for you a wonderful, happy and warm holiday season. Look as the bright side if you are busy, you have a life! Yep, it’s my favorite time of year…

Kim