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Hello!
It’s Friday! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and I am…sweating. Holy heatwave what in the world is this weather we’ve been experiencing over the last few days?! It was 89(!) degrees yesterday and will be around 80 again today. It’s April! In New England! I was not prepared. I am not prepared. I’m not ready for summer. I love spring; please come back!
Not to say that I don’t welcome no-jacket-weather with reckless abandon, my personal preference is for that sweet spot around 65 or 70 degrees with a light breeze and full sunshine. Is that too much to ask? We get so few of those “ideal” days in the spring that jumping close to 90 without warning was just too much of a shock. I haven’t even found my shorts yet.
On the bright side, the benefit of this weather has been the joyful, welcome arrival of the flowers. Our magnolia tree bloomed! Our grass is finally turning green, the pear tree is soon-to-bloom and we will be planting all of the dahlias in two, large raised beds as soon as the tubers arrive. I ordered them in January and now it’s finally time for them to be planted. Yay!
This summer burst has also got me thinking my other passion - summer dining! Nothing makes me crave a glass of chilled white wine and a crab cake (with an ocean view) more than a burst of summer heat. I immediately felt the urge to book it to the coast, find somewhere to dine outside, and order every seafood item on the menu.
Most likely due to countless summers in Maine, my affinity for seafood-with-a-view comes out in full force when the temps rise. When posed with the same question, “What does this weather make you crave?” Seth immediately replied, “A cold beer and a lobster roll.” I’m sure many of you would agree!
Now, I don’t want to get ahead my myself. Much like the joys of summer, this burst of the season is brief and we’ll be looking at much more April-ish weather starting tomorrow. And that’s a good thing! I have light jackets to wear, brisk walks to enjoy, and the anticipation of summer which I look forward to all year long. Let’s not begin the season quite yet - I’m just not ready!
Next week is Marathon Monday and Patriots Day; two hallmarks of April that I love every year. I’ll be catching the runners on TV and wishing them luck. I always feel immensely proud of the thousands of people who run Boston every April and get a tear in my eye when I watch them start (and finish) the race. It is an incredible feat and achievement requiring a lot of dedication, determination, and strength. Cheers to the runners!
In other news, I’m settling very well into Aunt Life and constantly ask my sister for updates and photos of my niece. She’s so cute! I am so excited to shop for her (and eventually with her) and show her the joys of shoe shopping, long walks outside, and the countless delicious snacks that exist in the world.
I’m so happy my niece is here and it boggles my mind that there is a new, already-amazing little girl in this world! Not to mention her Mom and Dad - my sister and my brother-in-law - who are doing a superb job as parents already. Proud of you two! :)
I know I was taken aback by the surprise heat of this week, and yes I whined a bit, but it does get me very excited for the months ahead. Tons of time outside, outdoor dining, late sunsets, working on the deck, watching the yard come to life, and so much growth all around. The birds are chirping and the sun is shining - let’s enjoy it!
If you didn’t know, I take loads of flower photos from now until…winter! Most are from our yard, but I snap pics whenever I see something pretty. The daffodils above are at our house. :)
A [brief and breezy] Buffet for Today: 4/14/2023
For sandal season, which is basically here, I’ll be wearing the Sera Fisherman Sandal (above) whenever possible. I love the suede and stud detail!
Still debating the Petit Moyen messenger bag from Clare V. Could be great in the fall!
Kelly Clarkson has a new album coming out!
Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies. You’re welcome.
Gardening ideas for every budget. Lots of good tips!
The Met Gala (first Monday in May) theme this year is Karl Lagerfeld; check out Vogue’s tribute cover story now before the event!
Would love to see Oscar Isaac and Rachel Brosnahan on Broadway together in this Lorraine Hansberry play.
Speaking of Brosnahan, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel is back tonight with it’s (final) season premiere!
Cheers and joy,
Mollie