We're hooked - American Idol

Honestly, we haven't followed American Idol much beyond the first auditions and "Hollywood Week" the past several years. This year is different - we have been watching since the beginning and I guess I should admit, we're hooked!

Becky also posted the same thing this morning and we totally agree on our favorite - David Cook! He totally rocked "Billie Jean" as the last contestant of the night. They truly saved the best for last. I almost don't want him to be #1 so he can go out on his own immediately - I would totally buy his album. I'm even considering trying to get tickets when their American Idol Top 10 tour comes through town (because generally the Top 10 are really good, well, most of the time).

Check it out -

The progression of spring

Despite this morning's freezing temperature (and the HARD frost on my car) spring has been abundant. You want proof? Check out our yard -

The redbud tree went from this


to this (in several warm days)


The [later] planted hyacinths went from this


to this


There's pollen on the pansies (and on the car and EVERYTHING else for the matter)

(you can also see our 2-for-1 blooms on the hyacinths here - score!)

Our Tuscan Blue rosemary bush has finally produced some blooms (one sprig anyway)



Nifty shrub with really cool frilly blooms (I cannot remember the name of it to save my life!)

Closeup


View of the redbud through the Rose of Sharon bush


And finally, another view of the sky through the corkscrew willow - it was quite the mixed sky (some rain, maybe flurries, and blue!)

Signs of spring

It is readily apparent that spring is coming. Not only did the layer of icky pollen on my nice shiny black car clue me in, but here's what I've seen this week:


Magnolia tree at the JC Raulston Arboretum


Peach tree blooms (JC Raulston Arboretum)


Redbud tree in the backyard


Corkscrew willow in the backyard - although it's difficult to see the buds, it's striking against the sky


Blueberry bush


Happy daffodils in the backyard


Potted daffodils


Irises


Red hyacinth coming up


The neighborhood cat, Harvey, looking for some attention


[Heavenly scented] Hyacinths

Wow. Long time, no post

So... it's been a while since I posted. A long month + some odd days. I am so sorry about that! We've been sorta busy - adding lights, fixing holes in the ceiling, hosting my parents, buying a new car and taking a weekend trip to Asheville (and coming home with the 'crud' - I'm totally convinced what I've got is NOT the flu!).

Pictures. Yeah, I've got 'em. However, I have no time to post them today.

Quick shout out to my bro, Justin - HAPPY 26th BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a an awesome time in Tokyo. You gift [will be in] the mail shortly!