P: AAhhh egg canto black plaaa.

O: She said she is going to find a spot where the flowers will grow, because that is the spot that will make them happy.

We are too sick to go to school, but too well to stay home, and the weather has been beautiful, so we ventured out to the nursery. There is a small family-owned nursery that has been around for generations, just a few blocks from us.

While wandering the rows O spotted a humming bird's nest. She admonished me not to disturb the mama while I took her picture, but was perfectly delighted when I offered to scoop her up so she could get a closer look.

Is it spring yet? It sure feels like it.

We found a climbing trumpet vine, with pink flowers. It looks healthy enough and the man assured us that it would thrive in our very shallow, full-sun, flower box outside our front window.

Every morning, on waking, O rushes to the front window to update us on the vine's progress. So far, we have gotten a new flower every day, well worth the twelve dollars and fifty cents, especially if you include the fresh air, the humming bird's nest, and the sense of accomplishment.

They have the most beautiful orchids. I have yet to bring an orchid home. I tend to kill plants, not with neglect, but with an abundance of love, a good metaphor for my parenting (I'm working on it). Perhaps, next time, I'll bring an orchid home to practice mindful neglect.