Spring has Sprung

March 20th was the first day of Spring.  It also happened to be the first day for this:

That's right folks.  The Ice Cream Barn in Swansea, Mass opened on the first day of spring.  I ate a whole lot of ice cream last summer trying to find Reed Dairy's equal.  Although the Barn's waffle cones aren't as good as Reed's, their ice cream sure is and therefore, my life will continue without Reed's Dairy.  Rhode Island folks, and to some degree, Massholes, LOVE their ice cream.  In the summertime, ice cream shacks are almost as plentiful as the clam shacks.  By December, almost all of them are closed, which I used to think was crazy given that Reed's is open (and busy) year round.  I didn't really appreciate that only being able to get quality ice cream in the summer has its charms until I realized just how darn excited I was for March 20th to roll around.  It's like something magical happens with the opening of the first ice cream stand.  It's a rebirth if you will.  It heralds the return of warm weather, beaches filled with human life, and ice cream and seafood as far as the eye can see.  It intensifies the excitement of the upcoming summer season and I find that I feel almost giddy with anticipation.  The remaining frat house members were just as excited as I was and as such, we decided several weeks ago that we would go to the Barn on opening night.  I of course Snapchatted endlessly about the entire process.  Here's the beginning of our trip...

And what was it like when we arrived?  This!

We waited an hour to get our ice cream and the line wound around the building and filled the place to capacity for the entire time we were there.  It literally was an endless march of people just like me...  connoisseurs that had waited months for a little slice of dairy heaven.  Was it worth it?  Well of course it was.  I decided to go with Heath Peanut Butter Cup after shamelessly trying a sample of everything I could get my mouth around so that I would be prepared in advance for my inevitable return trip.  As I shoveled in my free samples, I got to stand in line next to a lady from Swansea who works at the local Walmart and had stocked up on several pints prior to the Barn's closing in December so she wouldn't be left without her ice cream during the long winter.  She was hilarious and I wanted to Snapchat her too, but she politely declined.  She did tell me in her lovely Boston accent about the Gah-den show they were having in Boston this upcoming weekend and that I should go so that I could find everything I needed for my Yah-d and Gah-den while also pointing out how much she loves the caw-fee flavored ice cream...  Man do I love New Englanders and their awesome accents.  Know what else New Englanders like, especially Rhode Islanders?  Sprinkles.  Except Rhodies call them Jimmies.  I'm serious.  Jimmies.  They even roll their ice cream cones in them.  Here's Kelsey's ice cream rolled in chocolate Jimmies:

It's bizarre.  Jimmies in the western land I hail from are used mostly on cookies or cupcakes though can also be used on ice cream sundaes in moderation.  I have yet to see a Rhodie use a Jimmie as a condiment.  It's more like the ice cream is the condiment to their chocolate or rainbow Jimmies.  It's hilarious and it's one more quirky thing that I just love about the folks out here.  Since I was greedy and overzealous, I ordered a large waffle cone which consisted of about 5 scoops of ice cream.  It was ridiculous.  Renee and Kelsey ordered large cones too because they didn't know I was being an idiot.  I finished my cone without fanfare or delay because I am an expert at cone demolition.  Renee made herself sick finishing hers, and Kelsey had to throw out most of her cone.  Lightweights.  Not everyone is cut out for competitive ice cream consumption I guess.  It's been two days since I finished my cone and I'm already trying to decide when I should meander back to the Ice Cream Barn.  I'm not terribly worried about it because even if I don't manage to swallow a second cone in the next couple of weeks, another huge milestone is coming up on April first.  That's the one year anniversary of when I left for the east, but it also is the first day that Del's Lemonade opens throughout Rhode Island.  I'm going to shoot for a frozen lemonade on opening day but I'm on call and might not get around to it until April 2nd.  The only other thing I need to complete my trifecta of summer joy is the opening of the New England clam shacks...  Man, summer can't get here fast enough!

Meet me at Sabin Point Park...

At last it has happened.  My home in Idaho has sold and I have managed to find another one to purchase here in Rhode Island - in East Providence to be exact.  Funny thing is, the house is about one mile away from my very first apartment in Rhode Island and I'm actually happy to head back to my original stomping grounds.  The house itself is in need of a lot of work which of course suits me just fine.  The beauty thing is that Jared and I should be able to turn it into a right lovely house and since we will finally be together, life will be grand once again.  This home wasn't my first choice, but I think I can be happy there and am ready to move on.  Earlier this week, my mom sent me a pic of Bubba:

She's sleeping on top of Lily because no one got her bed made.  What's really going on is that she's lonely for her momma and has been in need of extra snuggles and love for an entire year.  It makes me sad that all my babies have suffered with so much stress this last year and I'm glad this house sale should put that all to rest.

I have looked at 10 million houses here in Rhode Island and have felt so sad because I LOVED my home in Idaho.  I loved it from the moment I laid eyes on it, and in some ways, still feel weird that it no longer belongs to me.  I've felt so discouraged that I might never find a place I can at least be satisfied with, let alone love.  Today, as if he could read my thoughts, my brother Jameson drove by my Idaho house for old times sake and noticed something interesting in the front yard:

It's a Catholic saint!  I absolutely thought that was awesome and in some ways, it has helped me to let go.  It really doesn't belong to me anymore, and I hope the new owners derive as much happiness there as my family and I did.  Maybe that little saint will protect them from my friend Alyssa.  She's only a few blocks away and they have no idea what they are up against if that lunatic comes knocking on their door.

This evening, after I got done volunteering at the Free Clinic, and after I had giggled about the Catholic Saint for the 10th time, I came home to find the documents I needed to sign for my new home all ready to go.  I put my Herbie Hancock on everything and realized I'm about one month away from closure on a space of my own.  It will feel good to start planting, painting, sanding, and settling into my new domain.  Here's the envelope that my Earnest money is in...

I guess it's official.  My life in Rhode Island is going to finally be permanent and it only took me a year to make it so.  In fact, my one year anniversary hits on April 1st... Which also happens to be the first day that Del's Lemonade opens around Rhode Island...  Hey!  Meet me at Sabin Point Park everyone!  We'll get us some Del's, swing on the swings, look at the ocean, and then go hang out at my new place and laugh about what a baby I've been for the last year!

My How the Years Do Fly...

Dear Kayley,

18 years ago today, this weirdo came into my life:

I don't mean the fascinating woman on the left, I mean you - the woman on the right.  I remember the day I grunted you out almost like it was yesterday.  I cannot believe that 18 years have passed and that I have somehow managed to turn you from a fetus:

Into this:

You are a lovely, talented, good natured, and all around delightful young woman.  I have appreciated all the help you have given me through the years - especially this last year since you and Hannah have pretty much had to be the mommies in my home.  I have actually been pondering your life a lot these last few months, since you aren't moving to Rhode Island with us.  You get to start college in the fall and will have your own grown up life which doesn't include living with your mommy anymore.  I'm sad that we won't get to hang around together like we used to, but I'm excited to see what you will make of the rest of your life.

Given that you are now technically my equal, I probably need to stop bossing you around like I normally do and treat you with some adult respect.  Therefore, as my final bossing act, here are a few unsolicited parting words of advice that might help you on your continued journey into womanhood.

1.  Love yourself.  You are worth every penny I paid to get you to this point and if you don't love yourself, you can't expect it from anyone else.

2.  Get as much education as you can.  You're a woman and you need it.  You never know what situations might arise in your life and the more education you have means you're going to be more likely to be able to support yourself should the need arise.

3.  Don't be afraid to stand alone.  Whether it's a moral decision, a new adventure, or just a trip to the mall, be comfortable in your ability to make decisions independent of everyone else if necessary.

4.  Try every new food you can get your hands on.  Life's too short to eat at McDonald's my friend, enough said.

5.  Laugh as much as you possibly can and surround yourself with people that make you happy.

6.  Avoid people that want you to be something you are not.  Anyone who suggests they would like you better if you only looked, thought, or acted the way they wanted you to are not true friends.  Run away from that type of lunatic as fast as you can!

7.  Marry your best friend.  I'm sorry that I already took the sexiest man out there, but hopefully you can find a strong second and have as much happiness as dad and I have had together through the years.

8.  Face your fears and don't be afraid to try new things.  It's an awesome world out there so go out and experience it! 

Kayley, I have lots more advice to give, especially on topics relating to vaginal health, farting etiquette, and pregnancy.  However, I can't tell you everything I know because I want you to have a reason to call me in the future.  I love you honey.  Happy Birthday. 

Love,
Momma