FEBRUARY THAW

Our visitors have left and we have been laid low with the flu. Luckily, the winds from the south have brought unbelievable warm weather to us here on the coast of California. My birthday was noteably lacklustre, thanks to fevers, chills, nausea, achiness, chest distress, and tissues galore.

Vanessa, whose virus was ahead of ours by a day or two, took advantage of the 80 degree weather, however. Our low key weekend resulted in improvisational backyard entertainment. Yes, we own a sprinkler. Nanners is no stranger to water, however the sprinkler did surprise her momentarily.

Once she recovered her water confidence, she was all business - an aqualine explorateur on the loose, as it were. She may not be smiling in these shots, but be assured she was talking up a storm. Or should I say a blue streak?

Being my birthday and all, Vanny must have felt right at home, liberated by her birthday suit or perhaps the California sunshine. I do declare, toddlers are amazing.