It’s hard to believe it’s already mid-April and the month will soon be over. Today is a dreary day and the bright orb in the sky is hidden behind grey murky clouds that are threatening rain, or possibly snow. In April, it could be either or. Unfortunately, after a warm spring day yesterday, the change in weather has brought on a pain flare and suits my mood too.

Balcony decorating project

Yesterday, I spent a good chunk of the day out on the balcony cleaning things up for summer. I got a good deal of the rug cleaned up and think I got a handle on the snow melt stains. I got out all the cushions which need a good cleaning and spent some time sweeping the area rug, fixing the fence, and dusting the balcony itself. I even cleaned the railings. Next up, I need to work on the windows and space behind the sofa.

Dust piles up fast and it’s even worse with the current demolition of our parkade, parking lot AND walkways. It’s been an absolute nightmare. But to accommodate the workers schedule and avoid as much vibrational noise as I can – I’m determined to spend as much time as I can on the balcony. Even on chilly days. Because even with the mall across the street, I love my view of the night sky. The trees provide a lot of privacy too when in full bloom. The buds already budding.

I’m still shopping around online for flowers and herbs. Unfortunately, the garden centres don’t open until early May here. The nights are still cold in the Northern Hemisphere and makes for frosty nights and early mornings. I just came in from the balcony for a peak, and oof. The cool air woke me up for sure.

Stay tuned for a shocking update at the end. I may have purchased flowers and plants before finishing this post…..Yes, I have a problem!

The other night, I was determined not to let the weather get to me. I bundled up in a fleece jacket, grabbed my Kindle, and a blanket. And this was the scene that laid out before me. However, it did not last long. That spring wind can drop the temperature about 5 degrees.

I was looking for clipart as a way to block out the stores across the street for privacy reasons. And lo and behold, I think I just came up with a look that I want for the space. We aren’t allowed to hang items on the actual railing, but maybe hanging real ivy on my own FENCE could be bypassing the bylaws. I think ferns might be a nice way to provide extra privacy and added greenery. Just need to find some other plants & real flowers for the other planters. There’s no where to hang baskets, but perhaps a floor basket.

The other issue is summer storms. The wind can get pretty wild here, so I’ll need to make sure everything is heavy and bolted down, enough that the wind won’t pick it up. I’m also limited on funds. I’d like to get a small statue – either fairy or gnomes, even though they are known to be mischievous creatures. But it’s all part of the magical fun.

Witchy News

Beltane is coming up at the end of the month and that will be my next magical related post. It has happened now that every month I’ve planned to celebrate and honor a Pagan Sabbat, that my health takes a nose dive on that day, or the weather hasn’t panned out. So, I’ve started stretching celebrations over a week long or three day grace period. Many of the Sabbats are often celebrated over a 2 or 3 day span anyway. I’m looking for and will be sharing ideas for both outdoor and indoor climates.

My witchy ways have slipped recently. Especially on the weekend after I wound up in the emergency room for 7 hours for an xray. Don’t ask. I’m okay. Just bruised and sore. But slowly on the mend, and looking to get back into cooking, baking, crafting up recipes, and organizing my crafting supplies.

I’m dying to make some raisin muffins and loaves. And have been experimenting with new dishes. The other night, I made a delicious honey and apple glazed pork dish with a side bean salad. It was delicious and so healthy.

Plants and flowers

I just spent more money than I have on potting flowers and plants from a local company that delivers. I got a few ferns, some Danish ivy, two selections of pansies (lavender and multi color), some snake plants, and of course, some tulips for my kitchen. That was just an added bonus. Now of course I have to buy some fresh potting soil and maybe an additional planter – but we’ll see. Pansies are small.

I’m excited. The summer I moved in here it was 40C and too hot for my indoor plants without air conditioning. I’m hoping for a milder summer and will just have to learn about plant keeping. Still shopping around for seeds for herbs, but I can grow those year round. It will be my first snake plant and I’m excited.

• Australian fern x1
• Snake plant moonshine x1
• Pansies x 12
• Moss x2
• Tulips x10
• Calathea
• Danish Ivy
• Astrid Peperomia

Worth getting in trouble for. My partner told me no more squishmallows or stuffies – that I buy for myself. I figured plants were a way to skirt around the rule and good way to use up my carbon tax rebate. Plus it’s good for the environment and will make my balcony look homey. Right?

That’s the excuse I’m going with. The dude purchased a clicker to keep track of my “infractions” and I just earned 17 of them lol…don’t ask. It’s consentual. I don’t think Six stuffies/squishmallows are all that bad to be honest. There could be a lot more.

Gardening I find is therapeutic and having plants around is always a mood booster. Tulips are just pretty. So my argument is this is for my mental health.

Other life updates

That’s about it in a nutshell. Still focusing on eating healthy, trying new dishes and working intentions and spiritual practices into my daily routine. It’s harder than you’d think. I’ll look at doing things differently for the summer months.

Spending as much time as I can outside. I was doing good for walks until I hurt my foot on the weekend. Once I can walk without pain and get a shoe on, I’ll continue that. The building is blocked off like a fortress and it makes getting out difficult. I’m really hoping they are done by September.

That’s all for now. I’ll be back next week with a post for Beltane plans, a Good Reads recommendation and possibly to share some recipes. We’ll see.

Thanks for reading. Please subscribe and leave a comment. Your support is crucial, and appreciated to keep this blog going.

Looking for new music? Check out my Spotify playlists! Over 30 to choose from.