Back Home--YES!!

Now that I've finished the draft post that sat in limbo for 5 days, I'll try to bring everyone up to date on what's happening in our little corner of this big, wide, wonderful world. Even though I knew the *green* would be out in full force and my tulips were almost to their *blooming* end, I still gasped at the beauty that awaited us as Heather drove us up our driveway. The apple trees on the front lawn promised a bumper crop of blossoms, my lillies had grown at least a foot tall and the grass was ready for its first mowing. The house looked so welcoming, and our little grand-daughter was saying, "Home Nanny". All was good!

That was last Friday afternoon (30 plus degree temps hit as we stepped off the plane) and since we've settled back into reality, I've come to a keener appreciation of what home is all about. Hearing our little grand-daughter saying, "Nanny, Nanny" as she met us with open arms and lots of hugs, talking to my sons and catching up on their news (my new grandson is now 6 weeks old) and just sitting in my favourite chair with a good book and a glass of ice tea--well, it really doesn't get any better does it?? Experiencing the western coast, the mountains, the desert, big city hustle and bustle--that's what vacations are made of and I feel so blessed to be able to say that, "I've been there and done that".

But we all know there is just no place like your own, no matter where you live. And my cat surely agrees with me as she rests on the piano keyboard behind me while I type. She's barely left my side since we opened the front door--you might say she missed us but there's really no telling with a feline. I do know that she was lonesome and that she slept on my pillow for most of the time we were gone. As for how much she missed us--only she knows for sure.

Because the end of May is fast approaching, we made our rounds at the garden centers today (a yearly ritual for us), checking out the various bedding plants and shrubs that we want to plant this season. Between you and me, I would love to plant several more lillies, but we'll have to wait and see how that works out. I don't believe one can ever have too many fragrant lily varieties but some folks don't quite agree with that theory--yet! Till the next time, Barb
I've included a few pics of the Calgary skyline and one of the snow that lay on the cars last Thursday morning.