In limbo

This is the time of year when my activities start to turn outward, but the weather just won't cooperate. I saw a tweet the other day about how this spring was supposed to be warmer than usual, and the comments in response were along the lines of my thoughts: Yeah, right. Wouldn't it be nice to have a job where you could be wrong over half the time and not get fired?

In an effort to keep my indoor starts from getting leggy, I moved the plant rack out to the garage where it is cooler. The broccoli and lettuce that are out there are about an inch tall, and have been for several weeks. I assume they are creating massive root systems so when it comes time to transplant them, they will take off. My other starts, still in the house, are not being very cooperative. The herb seeds are kind of old, so it does not surprise me that they are not germinating with wild abandon, but the pepper seeds are brand new and should be up by now. I replanted the no-shows, but I am not holding my breath on these. Fortunately, the herbs that don't sprout may be replaced with nursery plants, and most of my pepper plants are being grown elsewhere, for delivery in May.

All my knitting seems to be in limbo as well. I have been knitting, don't get me wrong about that. It's just that nothing seems to be reaching a finished state.

Meanwhile, I have been reading. A book I just finished, The Black Box by Michael Connelly, represents the start of what I consider my summer reading. I love mysteries, and summer seems like a good time to indulge in them. It's a bit early to start, but what the heck.

Other books on the coffee table and nightstand:

• One Man's Garden, by Henry Mitchell, is a collection of gardening essays that carry one through the year. Some are good, some not so good, some dated. Not sure I'll finish this one.
• The Backyard Parables, by Margaret Roach, is a continuation of And I Shall Find Some Peace There. It too follows the gardening year. I just started it, anticipate much enjoyment.
• Missing Out, by Adam Phillips, is short but a slog because of his writing style. The topic interests me primarily because it goes along with Winnicott's theory of the "good enough" mother: our lives are good enough just the way they are.
• The Food Matters Cookbook, by Mark Bittmann, is a natural for someone with my predilections in the kitchen. Did you know you can microwave popcorn in a paper bag? Take one-quarter cup popcorn, two teaspoons high heat oil (like peanut or safflower), throw into a small brown paper bag and fold the top, and nuke. I will probably buy this book.
• Save Your Hands!, by Lauriann Greene, is written for massage therapists. My massage therapist recommended it for my knitting hands. The exercises are simple and have helped a lot.
• Bikram Yoga, by Bikram Choudhury, is a book on one style of yoga. Most yogis think their way is the best way, but Choudhury thinks his way is the only way. He has even patented the 28 poses that make up his brand and has been known to sue anyone who infringes. He may be a nut case and yogi to the stars, but I like the series of poses and will probably buy this book along with one on Yin yoga.

Since I can't garden and the knitting is going nowhere, maybe it would be a good weekend to buckle down and do my taxes. And start the onerous task of collecting association dues (I'm the treasurer). And watch Season 3, disk 1 of "Downton Abbey". My new mantra is a quote from the Earl of Grantham: "I have no right to be unhappy." Goes well with "Don't worry. Be happy."