A wish to be a cake designer...

If I were to write a series of picture books about an indomitable little girl with a penchant for purple tulle and pink organza, the heroine would have to be none other than Sydney Lane. Equal parts Pippi Longstocking and Eloise, I will be proud to say I knew her before she was famous. Never one to shy from an adventure, the birthday girl wanted to try her hand at cake design. The result is delightful. If only it was not so fleeting--this firm grasp of whimsy all little girls possess.

Leprechauns Visit

Each year, during the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day, our local leprechauns visit us often. The mischievous visitors play a lot of pranks on us. Usually they start with simple little green pranks. They like to turn milk green, resulting in delighted squeals from the children, as the green liquid pours out of the carton at breakfast. More green food surprises ensue, green applesauce in lunch boxes, and green juice at snack. Finally they run through the house dropping little gifts off for my Irish lass and laddie. I like to plan their visits when the kids are engrossed in something in another room. Then I scream and yell and make a lot of foot stomping noises and slam doors. "You guys!!! Come quick!!! A leprechaun is in the house!!" Just be prepared to field a hundred questions about what leprechauns look like.

Leprechaun footprints: Use washable brown paint.

Ignore the Groundhog

I love to start spring early by forcing branches. First forsythia, then I'll move on to apple next week.