I did a little doodling with my paint brush today. 

I just finished reading the Lovely Bones. I recommend it. I couldn't put it down. It does have a little slow spot in the second half, but overall it was a pleasure to read. 

At Ground Level (or From the Basement Window)

At ground level
Relish the view.
The concrete tiles spread horizontal
From the eye—a dusty red mosaic.
The giant prickly burrs,
Fallen from the trees under the weight of the spring rain,
Are boulders
Growing smaller in the distance near the curb.
Bright green inflorescence lay as soggy fallen trees.
A passerby stretches awkwardly upward
From the flat soles of his shoes
Inattentive to these beetle-sized delights.

These are a few of my new favorite things: Spring is Here!

This is my front "yard," courtesy of our landlords.

Yellow, my favorite! These are my landlords' blooms. 

My new handy-dandy tote

Fully collapsable...

Convenient handle... 

In full form. It's heavy duty and it's under $20.

My Trip to Oregon

Here are the pictures I promised!

Isaiah Wray Budd at 1 week.

Ellen Charis Budd at 1 year and about 10 months. 

Ellen and Grandma Bop steer the ship on the playground. 

Ellen and I discover some fascinating sticks. 

Ellen delights in her fancy sticker book. 

Dave the Diva Dad. 

Dave and Ellen do the Hokey Pokey (with Elmo who is just outside the picture). 

Ellen examines her new accessory. 

Ellen watches a movie in her own chair--around here, a movie is one of several half hour Seasame Street specials. 

Isaiah Wray Budd and Mom (my sister Sarah) 

In Oregon

Hello All,
I have so many new pictures to post of my niece and nephew (Ellen and Isaiah), but I am not in a place where I can upload my pictures. So soon, and very soon.
I'm having a great time here in Oregon. It's beautiful, with spring greening all the grasses and hills practically glowing in the rain. I can't seem to get my fill of Ellen. And while I'm not finding Isaiah's newborn face to be quite recognizable yet, I still do enjoy cooing and singing to him when I have the chance to hold him. Isaiah is an avid eater. He's a pretty active little man--already holding his head up and pushing up with his arms. He is quite a baby Budd stud. :)