A monthly round-up of things worth seeing, buying, reading, and watching.
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Spring here has been classic—one day feels like summer with sunshine and seventies, the next day drops into the forties with wind and rain. That back-and-forth weather keeps things interesting and makes every sunny hour feel that much sweeter.
Those first warm days are a preview of the season to come: daffodils are popping up outside the window and cherry blossoms are showing up along every road we drive. I can’t help smiling every time I see them.
I’ve already set out the spinach I started in milk jugs, along with the first lettuce and the onions that had begun inside, so it really feels like spring in the garden.
I hope your garden is waking up too and that you’re enjoying the wild, changeable weather that often marks this month.
I’m excited to share this month’s Good Things list—full of weather-driven beauty, fruit-tree success, and three books that may well make my year-end favorites.
Good Things List
Amazing Rainbow
I snapped a panoramic photo of a complete rainbow from our porch—and it was even more vivid in person than the picture shows. The primary arc felt close enough to reach out and touch. Moving to the farmhouse has its perks; we often see full rainbows here when sun and rain happen at once, so we affectionately call this area “rainbow valley.”
It never gets old watching a rainbow stretch from one horizon to the other.
How to Get Your Fruit Trees to Bloom
I’m over the moon about the blossoms on this plum tree. It’s the first fruit tree we planted and, at five years old, this is the first time it’s been covered in blooms.
When I mentioned my disappointment to newsletter readers, many suggested fertilizing. That advice surprised me at first because I’ve raised fruit trees in other Oregon yards with nothing more than an annual topping of compost, and native conditions here can be generous. Still, I tried a different approach this past year.
Last spring I used a liquid fertilizer and then added slow-release stake fertilizers in the fall. The result was dramatic: the plum is bursting with blossoms, and our younger peach tree has many more blooms than it did last year. It looks like a little extra feeding made a major difference.
We also have three apple trees—one about four years old—and since apples often bloom after leaf-out, I’m watching to see how they do. Fingers crossed for more blossoms and, eventually, fruit.
What I used:
- Dr. Jimz Tree Secret Liquid Plant Fertilizer — recommended by family for encouraging growth and bloom on trees and shrubs.
- Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes, Fruit and Citrus — a fall-applied, slow-release option. I’m still looking for a good organic alternative for slow-release feeding.
The peach tree’s blossoms are promising, and I’m optimistic that with attentive care the trees will reward us later in the season.
Vintage-Style Plates and Bowls
After more than a year of admiring green, vintage-inspired dishes, I finally ordered bowls, dessert plates, and bread plates—and they’re as lovely as I hoped. Green patterns are harder to find than blue, so I splurged on these stoneware pieces.
They pair beautifully with an actual vintage set I own, and the muted green makes food look especially appealing on the table. Their vintage vibe adds a small, everyday joy to meals.
For those who appreciate a vintage look but want new pieces, this green floral stoneware is a charming option in two colors.
March Reads
Neanderthal Seeks Human, Penny Reid. The first book in Reid’s Knitting in the City series is billed as a smart romance. I enjoyed the character depth and lighter, humorous moments, plus it’s a closed-door romance. The heroine’s extreme insecurities felt a little overdone at times, but the book made for a fun, diverting read. I won’t continue the series, but this one was an entertaining break.
Tom Lake, Anne Patchett (narrated by Meryl Streep). Meryl Streep’s narration elevates this quiet, reflective story—her performance makes the audiobook feel like an intimate conversation. The story moves at a gentle pace but holds enough small revelations to keep you engaged. Highly recommended as an audiobook experience.
The Boys in the Boat, Daniel James Brown. Listening to this nonfiction account together was thrilling—gripping, improbable moments really happened, and the author does an outstanding job conveying the tension of competitive rowing. Even if you’ve seen the movie, the book adds much greater depth. A top contender for my best-of list this year.
The Other Bennet Sister, Janice Hadlow. A fresh, sympathetic imagining of Mary Bennet’s life. The book’s first sections revisit events before and during Pride and Prejudice and can be difficult reading when Mary is ill-treated. The final section, where Mary grows into her own person, is especially rewarding. A quietly powerful retelling that ends with a satisfying, earned happy ending.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabriel Zevin. This novel about friendship and game design had parts that felt distant from my experience, but the relationship at its center held my interest. The gaming details sometimes puzzled me, and some plot turns felt manufactured, yet overall it was an engaging read about creative collaboration and the costs that sometimes come with it.
A Newlyweds Guide to Fortune and Murder, Diane Freeman. The sixth book in a light historical mystery series, narrated in audio by a favorite performer, offers a playful Victorian setting and a clever, drug-related mystery. It’s an enjoyable, breezy listen for anyone who likes cozy historical mysteries.
Watching
Dune: Part Two — This cinematic continuation clarifies and expands the story in impressive visual style. Strong performances and breathtaking visuals make it worth seeing in theaters.
Resident Alien — A comic-book–inspired series in which an alien assumes a human identity in a small town. The show balances absurd humor with surprising warmth, and the lead actor’s expressive performance is a highlight.
The Tender Bar — A film adaptation of a memoir that explores family, mentorship, and coming-of-age. It’s heartfelt and grounded, with strong performances and a nostalgic feel.
That’s it for this edition of the Good Things List!
If you’d like to see more past favorites, search for other Good Things Lists on the site. I’d love to hear what you think—if you’ve tried any of these items or have recommendations, please leave a comment with your thoughts.
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