What a great day to have a birthday! Everyone’s happy cause spring is in the air, playing April Fools on each other. Yep, an April Fools birthday has to rank right up there with the best.

Somehow, even though spring officially begins in March…April 1st just seems to be solid proof that spring really has arrived. Just the word April makes me think about getting out in the garden, and even the thought of mowing the grass is kind of exciting this time of the year. That won’t last long!

It’s also time to clean up around here and that is exactly what we did yesterday on Clean Valley Day in Roanoke. Gave Downtown Wasena a good pick up and admired all of the new trees that we planted last year along the exit from the bridge and the village center. The cherry trees were spectacular in their first year (sorry no picture) and it looks like the Chinese Elms are leafing out now, too. All of that August watering is paying off.

The night watchman at the Cheshire Gallery was keeping and eye on things..

And the window at the gallery is looking really nice, too…

Went to the VT UVA hockey game last night and unfourtunately we lost 3-1, but the second and third periods were hard fought.

Then downtown to Macadoos for a few beers with friends.

Today, it is my official birthday and I got some really cool stuff. Been wanting a Mint Julep cup to make my Mint Juleps a little more authentic. Got this awesome cup with my initials engraved in it. Can’t wait to use it!! Speaking of which, I noted the mint is leafing out as well so Mint Juleps on the porch are not too far off. Actually had a Mojito last night as discovered kind of late that all of the bourbon is gone…hmmm.

And I also got a copy of Eldest….

….the sequal to Eragon, which I am totally looking forward to reading. Picked up Eragon at Dulles last year just before leaving for Bangkok, hoping to read it on the trip. It started off kind of slow and I lost interest, so didn’t read much of it on the trip. But when I got back, I picked it up again and was I really glad that I did. It may start slow, but Eragon is definitely a page turner past the first 50 or so pages. Can’t wait to see the movie, too.

Well, out to the garden. Tomatoes are looking good…

….so better be ready to plant them. The garden needs A LOT of work right now. But hey….spring is here!