One morning, the ground was barren and frozen, paths stripped of vegetation from heavy winter traffic. The next morning, it was covered in ice, slicker than a Zamboni polished rink, and much tougher to navigate. By that afternoon the ice once again turned to mud, and as the day wore on and the rains continued, the entire yard was awash. Still, though it all, the trees buds slowly swelled, waiting patiently for the promise of true spring.

I know the calendar says, "April", and "spring", but the cold muck, gray skies, and freezing rain we've had here in northeast Wisconsin this week make me want to hibernate. I need sunshine and a little more warmth!

I can feel the difference in my brain (and my spirit) when I spend too much time inside. You can see events unfolding on the other side of the world, yet somehow it doesn't feel as expansive as simply going for a walk and soaking in the birds singing and a breeze on your cheeks. And I know some folks say that there's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing, but high winds and freezing rain give me no urge to linger outside.

In unrelated news, was it always so challenging for families to organize holiday celebrations and other gatherings? Sometimes it feels like herding cats, and talking to friends, it's not an isolated problem. We settled on a Saturday gathering with family and Sunday with friends. Missing those who will not be at the table, but I know they would want everyone else to carry on.

This Week’s Resilience & Abundance Boost

• Step outside, even briefly. A few minutes of fresh air and natural light can do more for your mood than another hour indoors.
• Create your own light. Put on favorite music, call a friend just to say hello, or lend a hand where it’s needed.
• Limit the noise. Balance time spent following distant events with time grounded in your own surroundings.
• Keep plans simple. Gatherings don’t have to be perfect — shared time matters more than perfect timing or full attendance.
• Carry on the good. Honor those who can’t be present by continuing the traditions and connections that mattered to them.

Resilience isn’t waiting for perfect conditions — it’s choosing light, connection, and forward motion right where you are.

All our best to you and yours,

Laurie (and August IV, August V, and Duncan)

This week's featured articles...

We are still chilly, but I know other areas are well ahead of us in warmth. The dandelion wine recipe has been getting some love, so I figured it was a good time to give a shout out to some dandelion benefits before folks start waging war on this very useful plant.

We've been busy with food prep, baking up soft homemade dinner rolls and crispy French bread. The crew are chocolate fans, so there are some homemade brownies and chocolate peanut butter bars. The ducks and chickens are laying, so deviled eggs are a must.

Some of my mom's holiday favorites were kolache and Hungarian rolls. Back in 2004, my sis and I came up with an Easter brunch menu for Taste of Home, and I shared that here.

This last article isn't festive, but I've seen friends commenting about how tick season is starting early in some areas. As such, I figured it's a good time for Natural Tick Repellents and Tick Control Tips.

If you’re coloring eggs this season, you can skip the store-bought kits and use what you already have in the kitchen. Natural dyes create soft, earthy tones that feel right at home with spring traditions.

Try simmering these ingredients in water with a splash of vinegar. Then soak hard-boiled eggs until the color develops:

• Red cabbage → blue tones
• Yellow onion skins → golden brown
• Beets → pink to light red (juice from pickled beets works well for this)
• Turmeric → bright yellow
• Coffee or tea → tan to deep brown

Let eggs sit longer for deeper color, or gently rub with a little oil once dry for a soft sheen. Strain the colors for a more even finish, or leaves the food bits in for a dappled finish.