Burgeoning

Camellia buds: do they not look fat and juicy?

Below this almost dead-looking (but not dead-being) hydrangea bush with the single leafbud-bearing branch, my heart was warmed to find tender white snowdrops this afternoon. I had no idea we had any. The first year in a new garden is always an intriguing process of discovery. I tried to take photos of the snowdrops, but those tiny flowers are so miniscule that the camera wanted to focus on anything but the actual flowers. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow with more concentration.

Today was a preciously clear and sunny British day. And Jason was in bed. Emily was home ill last Thursday and again Monday, and then it was Jason's turn today. He bravely went to school the past two days even though he wasn't feeling too well, but today it was time to get some extra rest and try to get better. 7th grade, with so many teachers, is just a bunch more complicated to miss than 3rd grade with the one teacher in charge of catching you up on everything.

Speaking of burgeoning, though, with God's help I am trying to get a new activity to bud around here: a smaller version of the Dance Ministry that we so devotedly enjoyed in California. Since the wonderful caller is studying here in London, and has agreed to lead a dance evening here, I have asked around a bit and found ten interested couples, plus another four interested half-couples (i.e. the wife would like to but her husband thinks she's crazy). After selecting a date, we are down to seven or eight couples who can actually make it on the same night. Eight pairs is apparently the number we need to be able to choose from just about any of the dances. I am excited and praying that God will bring this dance evening to fruition and get Himself some glory somehow or other (not sure how, but I just know it is a fabulous activity and brings romance to my marriage). I guess it embodies His relationship with His bride - sweeping her off her feet with firm leadership and wild, passionate love. The dance evening (God willing) will be March 3rd, a Saturday night, if you want to come. RSVPs required :-) A shame most of you are just so incredibly remotely located from this blogger.