Oh, Calcutta!

We have never really needed a dryer since we had plenty of drying space and not so many people. But now, as a family of four and with the arrival of sandbox season, I feel like we live in Calcutta. (I credit my friend Liz for giving me this expression) We have laundry hanging everywhere- on the two drying racks, over the hallway banisters, on hangers, you name it. I can't really blame it on the sandbox. Since winter is so wet here, it can take three to four days for a single load to dry. And that is if I space it out. If I cram it on the racks, then add another day!

But the sandbox is now my scapegoat. We've been going through at least two tees, pairs of pants, and socks a day per child. And if we make it to the playground twice in one day (bonanza!), then add another set. How is it that, although we are never in our house when it is warm out, it gets dirtier so much faster?

I'm not complaining. I am very happy that it is finally warm enough out to go out with only a spare sweatjacket and a sand shovel. Okay, add two diggers, a bulldozer, two buckets, two shovels, a rake, a dump truck, snacks, and drinks for two kids and I feel like a dromedary (not Bactrian, Linda!). But I'm still happy we can spend our afternoons outside running around, even though it means I spend all my home time vacuuming sand and hanging laundry.

Enjoy this photo of our cherry tree out on the back terrace. I took it Sunday. Since them, it is in full bloom. Our Nashi (Japanese pear) tree is showing its first buds, along with our deep-red magnolia. And Michael has started sneezing. Ahhh, Spring!