signs of spring

I took a walk today to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of spring.

They are plentiful in my darling, old neighborhood...

athens

As most of you know, I moved to Athens, Georgia in November to be closer to work. As much as I loved commuting 72 miles one way (NOT!), I decided that my sanity was going to be lost if I didn't relocate...

I was quite sad to leave Atlanta, but now, after having been in Athens for a bit and getting out and about, I have grown quite fond of this town!

Some of my favorite things [so far] are...

Jittery Joe's Coffee

Athens Church

Downtown Athens

I haven't been to these spots yet, but I expect to thoroughly enjoy:

Good Dirt Pottery Studio

Botanical Gardens

There are tons of great restaurants and people around this town, and I can't wait to enjoy the summer here. I might even buy a bike ;o).

I have rented an old house near the jobsite that is a bit crooked and slightly haunted looking from the outside, but it has great character and I love it! I also love the neighborhood...the enormous trees...the people...and the funny squirrels. (Seriously, even those of you who are familiar with the goofy squirrels on CSUs campus...these squirrels are even funnier!)

SO...come visit me in Athens ;o).

Here're the digs...

I love you, Athens.

fischer + sara

I think most of us would agree that many precious moments in this world are brought about by things children do or say...

Such was the case last weekend, when Sara and I stopped in to visit some old friends in Atlanta.

During most of our two years in Atlanta, Sara was a nanny for a boy named Fischer. Throughout that time, she became quite close with he and his family. I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of their generosity as well and shared many meals, weekend trips, and laughs with the French family.

Last weekend, when we were in Atlanta for a friend's wedding, we stopped in to say hello, and had a wonderful visit. We played trains, we drew, we sword fought...all pretty typical...

But just when you think you have a two-year-old figured out, two innocent statements from Fischer made us cry...

Sara: "Fischer, will you come say goodbye to me? I have to leave now."

Fischer: "Will you come back?"

Sharri (Fischer's mom): "Fischer, Sara is about to leave in the little red car."

Fischer: "Is there a seat for me?"

I'm sure that the darling-ness of these moments doesn't translate to some of you, but trust me...when someone has made an investment such as Sara did in the life of a child, it is precious to hear those words.

Love to the French family...