Today is the beginning of a new month. A transition month where we (hopefully) say goodbye to winter and welcome spring. We had cloudy, overcast, cold days and sunshine and warmer days this week. One little clump of snow hung around in a shady part of our yard till midweek but it’s now melted into the ground.

In trying to find something uplifting I’ve got four things that I’m loving.

what I’m loving – one

Apricots. When I was little my grandmother got me (and perhaps my sister and brother) hooked on apricots. It was a real treat to have sweet-leathery dried apricots as a snack. I think she only bought them when she made her special apricot spread. We used to slather it on her homemade toasted bread so thick that it dripped off the sides. We, of course, slurped up whatever fell onto our plates. I’ve never found anything quite like hers and the recipe is long gone. I’m pretty sure it did not contain pectin but thickened with cornstarch.

I recently discovered these Mariani dried apricots* at my local grocery store. They remind me of the sweet-leathery dried apricots my grandmother had. I’ve tried other brands but I like this the best. A bonus is that they contain added probiotics. At my age I need all the help I can get.

what I’m loving – two

I used to use a fountain pen all the time. I liked the flow of the ink. I didn’t have to scribble on anything to get it to work. I could customize the ink color by mixing two or three colors together. I had two different fountain pens: one used ink cartridge refills and the other was a lever-fill type. Click here for more info on the types.

When duplicate checks became readily available, I had to switch to ballpoint pens. With a fountain pen, nothing would appear on the duplicate as I didn’t have to press hard at all to write with it. I would often have to rewrite everything on the duplicate which was not very efficient.

A few weeks ago I bought an inexpensive cartridge fountain pen* to see if I still liked writing with one. I do. When I write a check, I go with the other kind. I’m writing with it in my paper planner and book club notebook. (Yes, I still use a paper planner AND appointments on my phone.) I’m going to go with the refills for now. They don’t seem to be any more expensive than a good ballpoint or gel pen but I’ll save the empty cartridges and refill them with my own custom color.

what I’m loving – three

Our new-to-us veterinarian is outstanding. Our previous vet was okay but we didn’t feel all the comfortable with his office procedures. He had his patients call the office when they arrived and wait in their vehicles until he or someone came out to bring them in. He had just one examining room right inside the door. It was small and cramped. His son, also a vet, assisted but we usually “helped” if Pepper got antsy. If Pepper needed medicine, we had to go to his office to get it. That was a 40-mile round trip. Everything just seemed inconvenient for us.

Our new vet is one of several doctors in an animal hospital. They have several vet techs to assist, a lobby with a receptionist, and a pharmacy. We can order routine meds from online businesses, if needed, instead of going to the office for pickup. The vet tech asked us questions and listened to our questions and concerns before the vet came into the examining room. It was a fantastic experience for all of us. Even Pepper…except for the annual shots. Another plus is this place is only eight miles away.

You’re probably wondering why we didn’t change before now. Yeah, we should have. Pepper was treated quickly around last Christmas for an ear issue. Having to drive so far in the cold, dreary, winter and waiting in the car before being called inside helped us decide on a different vet, and we are very glad we did.

what I’m loving – four

Green toes for St. Patrick’s Day this month! I really needed a boost this week so I made a pedicure appointment. The icy blue toenails in January/February were fun for a time until the February Funk set in and I was ready for a brighter outlook.

I’m also loving how the sun comes through the arched window framing my feet.

Have a happy weekend!

*This is not a sponsored post. All reviews and opinions expressed are based on my personal views and experiences.