What a beautiful place to live! A couple of weeks ago Doug and I walked around our vegetable garden (a couple of raised beds in the backyard) and were wowed by the speedy growth of the tomato, squash, and green bean plants. Balmy breezes, flowers blooming, grandchildren playing nearby, a gangly puppy, fresh herbs for cooking, . . these and countless other gifts propel the singing of alleluias during our Church’s seven week celebration of Easter.

Then yesterday, Jonathan surprised me by flying here from Chicago for an extended Mother’s Day celebration. I am overwhelmed by such generosity and love from my family!