The weather is nicer. Now, it is time for the economy to follow suit.

I've lived in Georgia for over 35 years and I never remember having a winter quite like the one we just had. It seems Old Man Winter forgot his part of the pact to make winters mild. That is the deal we have in place for living where summers are hotter than that place down under. Granted, we don't usually get snow so I'm sure there a people who could one up me with their winter stories, but we chose to live where the snow doesn't fall. I don't really care to ever see snow at my house. Just sayin.

Yesterday, was gorgeous with temperatures in the upper 70s. I decided to take stock of what plants weren't frozen to death.

I do love that pansies are winter plants. They put up a fight throughout the freezing cold. And we appreciate their efforts.

Somehow, a few of the pink flowers made it. I don't know what they are but I like them. And the really stand out since the vast majority of the yard is brown and dead.

While pulling weeds (and how the heck do they thrive in the winter) from around the holly fern, I talked with my only favorite niece who lives in New York City (please say it with a really southern accent - because my niece likes it said that way).

She lost her job a couple of months ago. Throughout it all, she has kept a positive outlook but yesterday I could hear the desperation in her voice.

First, I wish I could go beat up her former bosses for letting her go. They are obviously idiots. Idiots without money. But still idiots.

And second, I wish I could send her a bazillion dollars so she wouldn't have to worry about money and rent and food.

My niece is a wonderful person who grew up with very little. She has worked hard for everything she has and it just slays me to hear the anxiety in her voice.

When I ventured into the front yard, I noticed some of the dogwoods blooming. Amazing how the blooms can just pop out overnight. And for some reason, it gave me a sense of hope.

This warmer weather is lifting my spirit.

After working for a while, it was time to take a break with Ms. Poopy. She was so excited about me getting out a blanket for us to lay on in the yard. And to show her appreciation, she promptly climbed on the blanket and peed. Thank you, Ms. Poopy. Nothing says spring like laying on a dog piss blanket.