Monday. Grey, cold, wet. Uck. But, the warm weather last week and the torrential rain on Saturday have forced Spring's hand. Fruit trees are just breaking into blossom, the maples have popped their flowers (for those of you who don't live in the Great Northland, most maple trees blossom before they pop out leaves). Some of the grass is even starting to green up in places, and some other trees and bushes are beginning to pop their buds. It is looking less grey and a little more green here. One's heart begins to swell with joy as the green comes.

Jess was to be alone at the barn today, and the vet was coming, so she brought Abby along to ride Jake. Give the chubby quarterhorse his workout. And, if she plays her cards right, Abby will help out. That big sister/little sister dynamic. Gotta control it - and it's hard when you're the oldest and you know everything. Just spoke to Abby and she sounded happy (yippee!). She said "I forgot how fun it is to ride!" Well that's good. She may be moving beyond her tendency towards perfectionism - which means her riding will improve if she relaxes. Good, good. And no acerbic comments about big sister. Good, good.

I had to run into the office this morning and punch out some work, so I left Kyle with a detailed list of specific chores and schoolwork to complete before he could turn on The Computer. Although I did initially get a little attitude, when I got back an hour-and-one-half later, I was pleasantly surprised to find a cheerful, happy boy who gave me one of his rib-crushing bearhugs and who had completed 80% of the list! What joy! Yet another surprise awaited me - when I asked him to come along while I ran some errands, he cheerfully agreed! No complaining, no trying to sneak computer time. He wanted to be with me, was delightful company while we were out, very helpful and now that we have returned is finishing his math. What an about-face from Friday morning. Is that like the coolest, or what? I am on Mommy Cloud Nine. TYG.