Kaplink-Kaplank-Kaplunk

Apologies to Robert McCloskey for stealing his words for this title. While picking rocks out of the back garden today, Tua seemed much more interested in the sound each rock made as it hit bottom, than the actual task of cleanup at hand. It was, at least an improvement from the day before, when she was doing her best to empty the bucket piece by piece, hurling rocks back onto the lawn.

howdy

Tua wanted us to get a few pictures of her new hat. She's just waiting for some boots and spurs to go with it-- and then maybe a couple of cats to herd around the yard.

Tax Day

Tua and Phare met yesterday for the first annual Tax Day Celebration. They met on the premise that for the next sixteen years or so, neither of them will be responsible for filing a 1040. Overheard at this meeting were comments like, "How was your first year as a dependant, Phare?" To which Phare replied, "Can you even spell dependant, Tua?" The two discussed current tax policy as well as favorite Praise Baby videos.

The Long Walk

This afternoon it suddenly seemed like winter might have lost its grip on the land here. We were able to go walking down a road with no snow in sight and I found myself shedding a layer at mile two. We had a splendid late noon lunch with Daniel and Maria, their son Samuel, and our friend Liesbeth. In between the courses, we decided to make the most of the weather, hence the walk. Tua ran most of the way. Highlights included a pair on horseback (Percherons at 25 hands, I'd say) who stopped and let Tua stroke the mane. Shortlived it was, though. We had scarce returned home before the temperature returned to 25 and the North wind blew in more snow showers.

lammy and the new shoes

This post is not named after Tua's favorite band. However, Tua insisted on a few pictures today. One with her lamb (lamb was too shy to mug for the shot), and one with her new shoes.

These new shoes, combined with the last few days of fifty degree temperatures, have allowed Tua to experience a few outdoor activites. She seems to love stomping around in the mud and nothing holds her attention like watching snow melt from the drifts scattered around the yard.

Last Sled Ride

There is still enough snow on the trails behind the house to warrant a good sled run or two. We took a few hours this afternoon and hiked in with Tua in tow. The pictures won't reveal much, so you'll have to take our word for the fact that she was ecstatic about the ride up and the long cruisers as we descended. The clip below blurs out at about 25 seconds but just before it does, you can hear her squeal as we pass the lens.

banana belt

Not really. There were, however, lawns with no snow and I spotted no less than 9 crocuses (crocae?) making their way into the spring sun in the village of Plymouth, Massachusettes. This is where Seth's grandparents Tillie and Leno Atti make their home. This was Tua's first visit to Plymouth, though she has met her great-grandparents several times before on their visits to Vermont. Tillie Atti is known in wide circles as a tremendous cook and the most generous of hosts. So is was no surprise today to dine in pleasure and depart in girth. Proportionally, Tua out-ate everyone, seconds on the tortellini, thirds on the vermicelli and a moderate serving of ice-cream. Below are some of the better takes of the day.