Busy as a Bee in Spring

Everyday I notice more plants, trees, and flowers blooming as I drive around Austin. It's beautiful. March always has the best weather, but it seems so tenuous and fragile - before we know it, it will be hot and humid all the time. As the bluebonnets fade, we'll close up the windows and turn on the AC. It'll stay on until the end of September. Soon, we won't be able to walk across the parking lot without getting coated with a layer of sweat. Right now the weather is perfect, idyllic, Californian. It makes you want to spend all your days gardening (eh, Sinda?)

We had a visit from Anthony's uncle Volker from Germany. Anthony and Volker have always had a special relationship, and we always especially enjoy his once-a-year visits. Last year, they built a composting system. This year, they worked on some of the landscaping. It looks great, and lots of neighbors are giving us compliments.

Anna is getting geared up for her 6th birthday and party. This year its going to be smaller (and saner) than last year. She is so much fun to be around. She made brownies for her ballet teacher to say thank you for all our guests last week. Anna read the instructions and made them all by herself. She even bravely put the pan in the hot oven with my assistance, AND she cleaned the bowl (with soap, not just her tongue!).

Colin is precious, using more sophisticated language skills every day. He is very sweet and snuggly, and if he gains any more weight I won't be able to pick him up anymore. He loves to read about whales, sharks, and fish. He loves to check my teeth with his finger. Maybe he'll be a marine veterinarian dentist.

Francesca has been so good and sweet lately. When she was staying at Stacy's house last week, I really missed her. At 1 1/2 years of age, she is starting to settle in; she is secure about her place here and knows the rules and routine. She never fails to greet me without an earnest, endearing nose in my face. She hasn't stolen any food for ages!

Anthony and I started our second Spanish class. We have a new instructor, who is very enthusiastic, very dynamic, and very talented at teaching Spanish. Unfortunately, we are starting a little bit behind. She speaks almost exclusively in Spanish during class. It is overwhelming, but I am hoping the accelerated pace will drag us forward. The instructor pantomimes what she is saying, to great comic effect - "Es emergencia! Necessito ir al bano!" and waves her arms about, to great musical effect, since she has many bracelets and bangles. Seriously, like 32 on one arm and 12 on the other. With charms.

This month is so full, so fun, so precious, so happy; like the weather, I almost wish it would last forever. Except for this sore throat! Anthony and I have both had allergic pharyngitis for over a week now!