What Ana Does

It's beginning to get a little spooky around here ... Frank, Drac and a Little Devil Related posts: Read more of my Decorating stories

I just blinked and Summer was over. I made a "100 Things to Do This Summer" poster and we did about 10 things. It's seriously pathetic. Don't ask me how many times I rode my cool bike. That's the problem with living in a place that's only warm three months a year. That's really only 15 weekends. And it was a rainy summer, so cut that in half. That's a lot of pressure to get outside and enjoy it. It's cold. We didn't take enough advantage when it was hot. Get over it.

We're going on the seventh month of winter and it's pretty hard to see an end in sight -- thanks to a continually gloomy forecast. It's the beginning of April and we've hardly climbed out of the 40s. The Spring soccer has even been postponed by a week because the fields are not close to ready. So it's extremely exciting to see some signs of spring in my back yard. Daffodils, tulips, the few crocuses and my strawberry plant all seem more optimistic than I am that the sunny summer is on its way.  Strawberries Anyone? Tulips, and a Few Teeny Crocuses,  Pushing There Way Up! Well, I guess I'm a little optimistic about warmer weather... Socks Be Gone!

Last Fall! As much as I love summer, and I absolutely do, there are a few things that happen in the fall that eases re-entry into cold, chilly and awful weather. And since I'm into making lists lately, I'll give you a top 5 list. (You're welcome!) 1. Back to school - the return to a more regular schedule. Especially this summer, because I only worked part time. Not that I'm complaining, but it all felt a bit surreal. I'm back to full time this fall and so are the kids. And in our neck of the woods, school starts in late August. We're ready to roll.  2. School supply shopping. I have fond memories of all the supplies my Mom would buy, especially when all five of us were in school. I remember the smells of new paper and delights of choosing my supplies -- fueling my optimism for the year ahead. I get the same feeling when picking through folders and #2 pencils for my second-grader. Happy new beginnings.  3. School clothes shopping. Because I'l...