Sweet Spring

And the weather is warming up nicely. So nicely, we actually pass the days and the nights without any heating. It feels so good to actually see the sun after the months of cold. And the cherry blossoms have appeared almost overnight up and down the streets in the neighbourhood. I first noticed them on Wednesday driving the Half Man to school and it was like, they weren't there just yesterday were they? Beautiful. Gotta get the camera out and capture some memories.

And I was very pleasantly surprised when UJ called this morning to chat as I was cleaning the bathroom and bedroom. Hardly anyone ever calls us from the homeland. But the Man and a Half had just left for a game of golf so only I got to chat with both UJ and YY. Nic stayed long enough to say Hi to UJ and then was off as usual, to do something with Jeni. I forgot to ask how WH is doing and whether she plans to go back to school. I hope she does. It is OK to come out and have a year off to study at the university of life but the brutal truth in today's world is that folks without those vital paper credentials are going to have the hardest times. For one person who succeeds without any paper qualification, there are thousands, maybe millions who end up in low cost housing barely getting by on mimimum wage and always at risk of losing their jobs in any downturn or company restructuring or losing their livelihood if they are self employed. School is hard but not as hard as being in a lowly job because others have better qualifications and can call the shots for you. So girl, if you are reading this, think hard about going back to school. You are too precious to us for us not to nag, even bully, you into doing the right thing for yourself.

Spring is around the corner and you can already feel the mood changing. The stores are stocking up on spring and summer clothes, even swim suits. I hope some of you can make it here again this summer. Maybe we can go visit the Grand Canyon and Yogi Bear. Or drive across the US of A and visit a certain person in Ox town. But with three girls in or going to college, maybe it is better to stay home and count the cents.