Breaking in the sneakers

 The new sneakers arrived and now I have to break them in. Can't walk very far around the parking area...but at least there's a hill to climb, pant pant.

 One of the flame azaleas is blooming.

And I think these are narcissus blooming.

Quote for today:

Having low self-esteem is a common issue - with some introspection you can start to loosen the grip of this negative thought pattern.

Our primary relationship in life is with ourselves. No one else goes through every experience in life with us. We are our one permanent companion, yet we are often our worst critic. To remind ourselves of our magnificence, we can do this exercise: "Five Things I Like About Myself." 

Begin by writing down at least five things that you like about yourself. This is not the time to be modest. If you are having trouble coming up with a total of five items, you know that this exercise can really benefit you. Be sure to include more than your physical attributes on your list, since our bodies are only part of who we are. If you are still struggling with what to include on your list, think of what you like about your favorite people, because these traits are probably qualities that you possess too. Another way to complete your list is to think of five things you don't like about yourself and find something about these traits that you can turn into a positive. 

Madisyn Taylor - Daily Om

Twilight - or not really

I've changed my routine a little bit. More things to do inside the house.

I would rather giggle at some of the silly facebook postings...whether cats or dogs or kids, and today it's even owls. That what makes life interesting these days.

The trees are beginning to green up. Dogwoods have started to bloom too. Redbuds may be at their last few days. This is springtime.

Last night I ate a small pizza and salad which I picked up outside my favorite restaurant. I carefully handled everything, then put it in my own dishes, then washed my hands. It was a delightful dinner.

I got a kick out of the waitress bringing my bagged food out to the car wearing plastic gloves, and then taking my money with them on. Well, when I worked food service, I learned you wear the gloves to handle the food, and take them off to handle the dirty money. I hope she's doing the opposite, rather than wearing the same gloves to cut lettuce for salads! Ugh.

 Riding around last week, here's a cherry tree in bloom

A sunset some trees are brightly lit.  I don't really ever see dawn or sunset from inside my cozy apartment. Mmm, maybe I should do a walk at one of those times and see what it's like!

Wrong timing to bloom

The sun wakes up the Four O'Clocks, and they bloom.  When I try to see them in the afternoon, they have their little petals closed up.  What's going on? Or maybe they are just happiest in the morning!

I think they also have a scent, but I have little olfactory abilities these days.

Flowers make me happy

 A gift is much appreciated!
Transucent. Variegated!

 A Phalaenopsis

 I promised myself to take good care of it.  And learn how to keep it healthy.  It came in such a small container!

I do hope it continues to bloom.  Winter sun came through the window earlier today, but has gone hiding behind grey clouds now.  I went for a walk around the lake, only got a third of the way when I was out of breath.  Baby steps, Barb...you haven't been doing this for about a month (or two).