Monthly Archives: February 2008

My parents have been discussing a visit to Texas for a while, and we’ve carefully timed their visit. Their last visit was two years ago in February. And while they got several 70-degree days, quite a treat for people from Northern Illinois, they also got sleeted on. And in the intervening two years, they have completely forgotten the beautiful days. Every time they tell people about the trip, they say how they expected it to be warm, but instead it sleeted. Why are all these people living in Texas if it sleets in February?

This time, I told them to wait until the end of March. I figured they could see the wildflowers and trees blooming. And the chance of ice would be much less. But is Texas cooperating? No, it is not.

The high Monday was 92 degrees. I can’t recall seeing a single frozen particle this winter. And we’ve had plenty of days this month where I could have donned my swimsuit. The downside (for my parents anyway) is that things are blooming now. Right now. Trees that were naked a week ago are covered with white blossoms. The daisies in front of our house have opened.

By the time my parents get here at the end of March, I fear we will already be charging into the scorched, brown, Texas summer. What can I say? I’m no meteorologist.

Mom and Dad, bring your swimsuits.

For Valentine’s Day, Greg gave me a thank you card (one that had been sitting in our desk drawer for months). Inside, it said: Sarah, thanks for accepting this non-Valentine’s Day card as a Valentine’s Day card. You’re the best!

You can see why I married him, can’t you?

In Greg’s defense, he did not forget Valentine’s Day. He got me flowers and a necklace. Though the card might have been the best gift because I laugh every time I look at it.

Things have gone downhill since my post yesterday about Abe’s ridiculous behavior. We acquired a beagle. Yes, that’s right. Abe and I went for a walk this afternoon and found a beagle running loose, no tags. The selfish part of me wanted to let it keep running, but that’s a little like letting a child run around without parents. What if it got hit by a car?

So now it’s in our back yard. Howling. I’m waiting for Greg to get home and make posters for us to hang up. I’m desperately hoping we can find its owner before the book club tonight. The howling, oh, the howling. Our neighbor just called to ask if Abe was sick, whether I needed help. Yes, yes, I do need some serious help.