Looking out my kitchen window

Looking out my kitchen window I watch the seasons pass. The bright yellow forsythia of early spring leafs out into a full green in summer, then finishes with vibrant red and yellow leaves that carpet the ground underneath in late fall. Winter is perhaps one of its most beautiful times although it would seem unlikely, but it's here and now when the numerous and unmistakeable red cardinals sit on its branches and fluff themselves up so full. Even the brown females are all pretty and puffed up only you have to look much harder to see them. I like that, having to pay close attention.

Other times there are mornings such as this, which, with one look informed of last night's snow. A wet, cold, slushy snow. The snow itself had a secret to tell, that Sunny had made a trip to the top of the picnic table and apparently danced a little jig up there, leaving her footprints behind.

I expected some delays but school was on, only John remained behind. Our 2 1/2 hour visit to the doctor ended in a strep throat diagnosis and plenty of Sprite, t.v. and antibiotics which I could kiss if it would mean anything. When I think of how many days in the winter I'm home with sick children, I wonder how working moms manage to hold down a job.