Rain & Rings

Today it rains. A lot. And hard. We have buckets in two of our walk in closets/attic areas to catch those drops and streams that escape through the apparent HOLES IN OUR ROOF and cause major probs. One estimate to fix the flashing and mend the slate was $17k. HA! Good one. Such are the woes of homeownership, I suppose. Good thing we're loaded ;)

Rainy days are welcomed because it means Spring is just around the bend. It's Mother Nature prepping the soil in our gardens and washing away the salt stains from our streets to reveal a fresh, new scene.

Even though I have a nice tan and some sun-kissed blonde hair, I'm still in Hunter boots, long pants and a sweater. It's a shame to not be able to show off 5 days of hard work laying out pool-side in the FL sun. Cryin' shame.

Saw this miracle peaking through the rock-hard ground the other day in the back patio at work. Refreshing. Hurry, little plant! Tell all your friends! It's almost time to show your little, green faces to this almost thawed-out world!

Soon we'll make our trek to the local Hamilton nursery and buy our jalapenos, bell peppers, tomatos and whatever else we decide to take a green-thumb to this season. What a grand day that will be.


Living in one of the oldest Baltimore city neighborhoods, that is now on it's way back up, has many perks. Not only does Hamilton/Lauraville have a fabulous, 80-some year old nursery (with snowball stand attached), another gem is opening on April 1 just across from the tavern on Harford Road --- The Green Onion. They're going to offer up local, freshly cut meats & fish (butcher and possible fishmonger ON SITE). Seasonal veggies picked fresh daily, straight from the Hamilton Crop Circle and other nearby city farms. Home-dried spices and spice mixes. Would you line your larder with legumes, leg of lamb, leeks? Perhaps you're partial to prime rib and pickles (Clementine's house-made pickles, of course, since Clementine owners Winston Blick and his wife are responsible for this amazing addition to the 'hood). Or fancy fennel and fine herbes? Hanker for ham hocks or lamb chops? Stock up on savory soup stocks? This place is probably for you....for everyone, I think. 


I'm telling you, and have been over the past few blog-spouts, but season's change is so inspiring, not only for people but for businesses and lifestyles and attitudes (wait, I guess those are all related to people...). Either way, it's magical and I know for me at least, I'll never pass up something to look forward to. Even if it does come at the same time every year, Spring never gets old.


Enjoy it!


-ERSM


P.S. Merry belated xmas to me. My Amrita Singh stack rings FINALLY made it after months of back-order. Totally worth the wait!