Green at Heart

Since Andrew has started working for Topiarius, I've noticed a different rhythm to our home: one that is more in tune with and accepting of the seasons. Each season commands a respect, has something to offer and has something to prepare us for (if nothing else, the next season). A week or so ago, I found Andrew poring over a catalog of plants and seeds, after which he excitedly (and cautiously) rattled off his plans for our back porch this spring and summer. I could almost see the visions of Tom Thumb Pea plants dancing in his head. Not long after that, he brought a bag of hibernating tulip bulbs up from the basement. He took them out of the paper bag, dusted them off and then proceeded to store them in our crisper where they will remain until planting time. (Apparently, tulip bulbs need to be kept cold for a period of time before planting, but they would be too cold outside.) And if that were not enough, I also learned that bulbs cannot be stored with fruit. So, in went the bulbs and out went the fruit. And thus I was introduced to bulb care.

Despite the ever prevalent wintry temperatures of these past weeks, the energy of spring is upon us, if no place else than in Andrew's hopeful plans. This week he has started taking Botany 1 at The School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, so I'm sure it is only a matter of time before plant taxonomy and classifications are rolling off his tongue. While it is good to accept the present, there is a time to look ahead. And I've embraced Andrew's carefully laid plans to usher Spring our way. I've enjoyed discussions about what herbs we'll be growing and Andrew's intention to grow heirloom tomatoes from seed this year. I love to open the back door and envision a porch laden with green life. I like that our refrigerator's traditional role is being disrupted, and I'm grateful that every time I go to grab a piece of fruit, I'm reminded of the sacrifices that must be made for the sake of preparations. Spring is surely coming.

Tomorrow is Andrew's birthday, and as he prepares to celebrate a new year, in many ways, so do we all.

Peace Out, Uncle Sam

I'm happy to report that as of this afternoon, my tax related responsibilities have officially concluded at work and I hope to make a quick return to the finer things in life. While tax season surely invokes a good share of frustration and pressure, it can also be a source of satisfaction (like when you figured out a complicated math problem in high school... or third grade). But I'm happy to bid those blasted 1041s and K-1s adieu for now.

Topiarius

Although spring has continued to resist making a 2008 debut, Andrew has made his formal entrance into the world of landscape design. Yesterday was his first day at his new job with Topiarius, a landscape design company. Topiarius is a Latin word for ornamental landscape gardener, from which we get the word topiary. His primary task will be leading the crews responsible for the installation and implementation of the designs. We are both looking forward to the opportunities and experiences this position will afford him, not the least of which include being outdoors, building things, learning more about plants and landscaping, playing in the dirt, working for a small company (he is 1 of 4 on the team), getting a rock star suntan (or burn more likely), and most of all, getting the chance to use his artistic talents and skills in a new way. He has already been able to use his eye for design in combination with his experience at the Field Museum to offer new perspectives and suggestions. I have no doubt that Andrew will be a great addition to this company. I'm excited to see what they will create! Here are some samples from Topiarius's design portfolio:

Finishing Well

Yesterday marked Andrew's last day as an employee of the Field Museum. It's been just over 4 years since he first walked across that great Stanley Field Hall, indebted to the details, deadlines and demands that would cripple under his artistic talent. I would say it has been a mutually beneficial relationship, though not without its challenges.

I am proud of Andrew's dedication and commitment to a job well done. He has truly cared about his work, the institution and its community. I am not only impressed when I see his exhibits on display, but I am as equally humbled and proud when I witness the respect and dignity with which he treats those around him--anyone from guests, to colleagues, to security guards, to elevator operators. It is these qualities that truly make him a success.

And so, it is with mixed feelings that we bid farewell to the Field Museum. It's been real. More to come on Andrew's next endeavors!