Plan C

Weather still predominates thoughts, largely, because a week has past and the deep snow, fog, icy rain, sleet, grey skies, faltering electricity, school snow days, delayed starts, single digits and high winds have given way to rapid melting, gurgling ditches, swollen streams, Aidan in shorts, and long put-off errands.

Goodbye, snow.

One snow day Aidan came to my room and began construction of the prototype of a huge inventory of "shooters" that he constructed; mostly using whatever was at hand--coat hanger, rubber bands (keep them aways from the cat, says Wendy), wooden skewers and tape. It was successful enough to pierce a cardboard box and maybe more successful than the house can quite accommodate. It was pretty accurate, and quite effective on the back porch when the skewers were launched with flaming toilet paper wads on the front end.

Sitting on the floor in my room with the first prototype.

Keoni finished the cycle of auditions and competitions, and he and John returned home having threaded their way in between storms and severe weather pretty well. The last trip was Saturday and Sunday to Pittsburgh and back. Nine auditions and competitions in seven cities. Results are beginning to come in and bringing joy to all, but the decision will take place later. Between April 1 thru 15 all should be known.

Aidan has been stepping up his cello practices to two hours a day. It is making a difference. He, also, has made some really good friends; two of them within a quarter to half mile away. Another, close friend has been playing soccer with him since summertime.

Keoni's friend Nathan was on spring break from U Penn and it was certainly great to see this fine young man again. He and Keoni managed to get out to see other of their local friends.

I had a lovely day with a friend, too. On Monday Sarah and I went to Longwood Gardens for a lovely time walking around the four acres of ornate, sort of Victorian, greenhouses built by Pierre DuPont.

Orchids were the DuPonts' favorites. All is climate-controlled.

This fountain behind the yellow flowers reminded me of the fountain Phil made for Tucson's Presidio Plaza.

Sarah is making the "selfie."

DuPont took care of the property's trees, as well. No, men don't grow on trees. These guys are working up there.

A shoutout to Janie in Tucson. Good going getting that knee replaced this Wednesday. Hope you got to go home today. And, thank you for reminding me of what I will see in Tucson...

Beep, beep!

Yes, Tucson is in my sights. I'm starting off Monday with Plan C. Cousin Jackie and Taylor will be my first stop in Kentucky. Cousin Jim and Nancy in Texas, grands and great-grands in Salt Lake City, friends in Tucson, sisters in Missouri, Cousin Marilyn in Iowa. This is Plan C--there could be D, E and F, but my pony Subaru and I will find out as we go along.