Tulips

Yesterday was spent recovering from the 6 inches of snow dumped on Appleton Sunday night. Today's gray, rainy, foggy and sleet/freezing rain weather is depressing. (my apologies, Annabelle, for writing about the weather) To combat the never ending winter, I went to a favorite florists/greenhouse. Ah, the earthy smell, green sprouting geraniums are a sign of spring and just what I needed.

I was looking for a potted, blooming daffodil plant but those won't be available for a few weeks. However, the suitable runnerup, a tulip bouquet, is now sitting on my coffee table. Some would not consider this a practical purchase in these tough economic times, but the mood uplift of these flowers is worth the price.

Dancing with the Stars

I confess to watching "Dancing with the Stars," the only reality show I follow. Because I have two left feet and feel too inhibited to dance, the show appeals to my inner Ginger Rogers. (Who did everything Fred Astaire did but backwards and in heels)

There are dancers I automatically like, some whose performances are cringe-worthy, a few I want voted off as soon as possible. But, I sure give anyone willing to sign on for this show credit for their hard work.

What makes this show different from other reality shows? The contestants must learn a new skill and the judging isn't mean spirited. "The Bachelor" is nauseatingly predatory, "American Idol" has Simon who is arrogant and nasty, and "Survivor" is filled with back stabbing contestants. "Dancing with the Stars" is a a friendly, fun, glittery competition. It gives me the mind candy I like this time of year.