Spring...yet?

The weather forecast claims that it will break that all elusive 65 degree barrier. We just don't quite yet know if it will be in Norwich or not. Spring has had a hard time arriving this year. It's been unseasonably cool. Well, maybe not. Maybe this is the beauty of the Northeast. We aren't suffering from drought. It's almost warm enough to not need a fire in the woodstove in the morning...almost. And we are saving money and protecting the environment as air conditioning is certainly not required.

Okay, today promises to be nice. Maybe even nice enough to enjoy some time out on the veranda. Maybe even see some tulips peering out...almost.

Peepers

One of the first signs of Spring, the Peepers return. I don't know if they are hatched, migrate or come out of hibernation but regardless of their method of return, they have returned.

I remember the first Spring that I heard them. They had been peeping for several nights before I focused on the sound. Then they were deafening. How could I have missed them? The air is always slightly cool but unmistakably Spring.

Perhaps we can get Zoe to dig us a pond of our own so that they can be even closer.

Mourning Doves

Early on a Spring morning, you step outside to get the paper and you hear it. The Mourning Dove. The sound is so tranquil. I remember listening to this sound when I was a little girl visiting my grandparents in a small town in Kansas, sitting on the front porch, listening to the calming coo. The Adirondack Chairs are covered and a perfect location for us to enjoy. If it would just warm up a little more!

I love the signs of Spring.

First Measurable Snow this Season

First measurable snow of the season. It's so peaceful when the snow falls.

The Manor Loves the Holidays

Lathrop Manor loves the holidays. The house is happiest when there are people in every room and at least three fireplaces are lit. However, we need more sofas for the post-Turkey syndrome.

Charity Dinner

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Lathrop Manor hosted a dinner donated to the Rotary Charity Auction. Eight guests enjoyed culinary specialties from Chefs Marco Middleton and Joe Kubik with Maitre'd Bill Middleton and Sous Chef Robin. And of course, many thanks to additional Sous Chefs Sue and Ray, who were unable to attend the Main Event. As well as Stan, our generous sponsor.

It's Beautiful Here in New England, This Fall