Hey thanks for getting back to me about the weekend. I ended up staying home and finally started that novel I bought months ago. It is a mystery set in a small coastal town and the pacing is really nice. I made a pot of chamomile tea around dusk and just read until I couldn't keep my eyes open. Honestly it was exactly what I needed after such a busy stretch at work. The neighbor stopped by and dropped off some fresh bread which was such a kind surprise. I also spent a little time tidying up the back porch now that the weather is warming up. I found a few old pots I had forgotten about and might try planting herbs this season. Nothing too ambitious just basil and mint maybe some rosemary. It feels good to slow down once in a while and not have anywhere to be. I think I am going to make it a more regular thing. Let me know if you have any book recommendations I am in the mood for something with a bit of intrigue.
I also finally watched that documentary you mentioned about the history of jazz in New Orleans and it was fantastic. The footage was incredible and I learned so much about the early brass bands and how the music evolved through the decades. The section on second line parades made me want to visit during festival season. We should definitely plan a trip one of these years. Anyway that is most of what I have been up to. Hope you are doing well and staying warm on your end.
The other thing I have been meaning to tell you is that I tried sketching again after a long break. I picked up a small notebook and some charcoal pencils and just started drawing whatever came to mind. It is rough but I forgot how relaxing it can be to focus on something tactile and quiet. I do not think I will ever be great at it but that is not really the point. Let me know what you think if you want to see a couple of the attempts.

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I wanted to follow up on what you said about the community garden plot. I walked by it yesterday and the soil has been turned and a few of the beds already have little green shoots. It looks like someone planted peas and maybe some lettuce. I ran into Margaret who manages the sign-ups and she said there are still two plots available if we want to share one. I think it would be fun to try growing some tomatoes and peppers along with a few flowers just to brighten the space. She also mentioned a shared tool shed with rakes and trowels so we would not need to bring much of our own gear. I am thinking we could meet there Saturday morning if the weather cooperates and take a proper look at the layout and decide what to plant first. Let me know if that sounds good to you. I can bring a notebook and sketch out a rough plan for the beds.
I also stopped by the library sale last weekend and picked up a couple of old field guides one on birds and one on edible plants. They are dated but the illustrations are beautiful and honestly most of the information is still useful. The bird one has a section on local species that I think will come in handy if we end up spending more time outside this spring. I saw a blue heron near the pond behind the garden plots and I would love to identify more of what is around.
Anyway I do not want to ramble too much. Just excited about the idea of growing something together. Let me know what you think about Saturday and if you want prfftUytN0AHg to grab coffee beforehand and talk through the plan. I am free most of the morning and early afternoon so whatever works for you is fine with me. Hope you are having a good week.