Well, dog and baby birds!  The eggs have hatched, and it took me until they hatched to realize that Daddy bird is very involved in this event.  I was amazed when I went out on the deck the other morning and the robin flew off (as usual) but several little bald heads poked up and opened their beaks wide and high. Sorry, babies, no worms here!  To me they just look like a tangled mess of nakedness!

But as I sat on the deck last night, I watched both momma and daddy fly off and return with a piece of worm, which they dropped in those waiting mouths.  It was very cool to watch, especially when a hummingbird decided to have a sunset snack among my flowers. That was a fun treat.

This morning Nate brought Derrek Shepherd over to stay with me, because he and Jen had to work.  DS doesn’t like staying home alone!  So I am dog-sitting my step granddog, or something to that effect.  Derrek Shepherd is a very well behaved dog and seems totally content here.  He was delighted when a noddle slipped from the macaroni salad and landed right under his nose!  He doesn’t get much outside time at his place, and with my fenced yard this is perfect for him to go exploring, which he has done at great length.  Somehow it’s nice to have him here, curled up a foot from me, happy just to exist.  And no, Jen Johnson, I do NOT want a dog!!!  But he’s been good company and very relaxed.  He’s napping now.  Running in the yard all morning has tired him out!  It’s been a good morning!

Friday morning I left my house at 6:45am and headed to Cabela’s plaza in West Virginia.  I connected up with my daughter Kelly at 8:15, and we jumped on I-70 and headed west.  To Ohio.  To Amish country and a fun day out together!  The drive up was comfortable and easy.  Very little traffic and beautiful countryside. 

The sun was shining when we pulled into our parking spot in Berlin, and left the car tucked there for the day as we walked from one end of town to the other. Our first stop was a craft/garden shop, and I made friends with a huge horse statue out front.   I could probably have spent an entire paycheck in the store; lawn ornaments, plants, decor, benches, lighting – garden heaven!  We browsed around from store to shop to strip-mall for several hours, until we came to a little hot pretzel shop.  That was lunch!  And let me tell you, that pretzel was warm and salty and buttery and so yum!  Thankfully our entire agenda was walking, because we really needed to walk that off! 

At the end of town was a huge complex called Sol’s, and there was everything in that store that you can imagine.  There were displays of everything from clothing and jewelry to fake pigs, kitchen gadgets, and specialty coffees!  I especially liked going in a huge Victorian craft store, which offered — more of the same!  Somehow, though, the displays in the Victorian setting were so appealing.  There was even a huge claw-foot tub filled with Styrofoam peanuts that looked like a bubble bath!  One of my favorite displays was in a little craft mall situated on the highway heading out of town.  There were about a dozen square, galvanized wash tubs filled with potpourri.  We of course had to sniff them all.  Not even sure I could pick a favorite, but Cinnamon Bun and Vanilla were at the top. 

At the end of the day, we drove over to the Dutch Valley Family Restaurant and had a delicious meal there.  We both had the buffet.  We timed that perfectly, as we walked right in when we arrived, but the line was out the door and down the porch when we left! 

In that same little complex, in addition to a huge upscale hotel, were several shops, a theatre, and a little kid-sized village with the cutest houses ever!  Kelly and I went in several of them, but my favorite was the dark blue Victorian.  There were even steps inside, with a perfect sleeping loft, and little windows with screens that actually opened and shut!  Perfect tiny house!

We headed back home about 6:30pm, and I arrived tired but happy to Wren Drive at a little after 9pm.  A long but perfectly wonderful day, and a great big loving THANK YOU to my daughter for sharing her precious time with me!  Let’s do that again!  

This was a very full day.  It started at 4:45am; out of bed and my mile walk. I went with Ron to his doctor’s appointment.  More on that under the APPALACHIAN TRAIL tab so check that out. 

Had to cram 8 hours worth of work into 5 so it was tricky.  After work I buzzed over to Twin Lakes for my two mile daily walk.   It was such a beautiful day I couldn’t stand the thought of being cooped up inside or on the treadmill.  I ‘made friends’ with the one that got away.  But there were several gaggles of geese along the path, with babies from little to teen age.  Some of them hissed at me.  The nerve of them! 

The far end of the upper lake has a rock hill, and the temperature on that part of the path is always at least 5 degrees cooler. The spillway had more water than usual cascading down the falls, splashing into the pond below. 

By the boardwalk on the lower lake there were several flowering bushes – white, purple, and this vibrant red that really popped out. 

I left the lakes and went to the celebration at Smail Honda.  The dealership won the 2016 President’s award for top dealership performance.  It was a fun night, visiting with my Honda friends that I seldom see, being that they are a full quarter of a mile down the road from my office!  We had a DJ, a taco bar, and of course, cake! 

I came home, cut my grass, cleaned the bathrooms and kitchen, washed towels, and did a huge basket of ironing.  So now, if you don’t mind, I’m headed to bed! 

It started on Friday evening, when Kathy, Paul, Joni and I drove to Pittsburgh in the pouring downpour to teach at His Place.  It was a great evening despite the rain, and the kids did very well listening to the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 and also Peter walking on the water.  We had snacks and games and song time and the evening was a total blessing all around.

Early Saturday morning, Kathy and I headed north on I-79 to visit our parents.  Again, in the pouring rain!  We spent time visiting and cooking and even partying.  We celebrated John’s 96th birthday just a few days late, complete with a ‘critter’ kitty cake from Walmart bakery.  We also celebrated Mother’s Day a week early with another ‘critter’ skunk cake.  The most fun was that the black dye in the skunk’s icing turned Kathy’s and Mom’s lips, tongue, and even teeth totally black!  We all had a good laugh before they scrubbed it off. 

Kathy, Mom, and I took selfies with the skunk cake, in honor of our beloved Skunk Hollow girls, of which mom was one of the original ones!  We had a great day, and as always, are blessed by spending time with our precious family.  The time just goes so fast, but we cherish every minute together!  Love you guys! 

To top off the weekend, Ron arrived back on Melvin Drive about 6pm this evening (Sunday).  He has several doctors appointments and needs to get a few things handled locally.  It was great to see him and have him home, even knowing he was disappointed in having to step off the trail for a short time.  He’s still determined to get back to the Smokies as soon as possible and head back to Maine.  In the meantime, I’ll selfishly appreciate some time for us to be together!

We’ve been busy this last week.  Saturday April 29th Nathan had an 11th birthday party for Christina.  She had several friends and a bunch of family (Kelly with Logan, and Nate, hanging out) to help her celebrate. Her cake had sparkler candles and wouldn’t blow out, and they were the funniest thing to watch.  She got several fun gifts, including two of those spinner things that are so popular with the kids.  Her dad got her a scooter, which was – of course! – a huge success!

Later on in the week, Chris had to give a presentation at school.  All the kids in her class had to choose a personality, do research on that person, prepare a speech, dress the part, and perform for guests at the school.  Chris chose Walt Disney, which was a very fun choice!  She was practicing her speech for me and she did a super job.  I even learned things about Mr. Disney that I hadn’t known.  Her dad said the evening – and all the kids’ presentations – was a huge success.

Kelly sent me a photo mid-week of Peyton, who received an academic award for maintaining a 3.5 gpa or above for the entire school year!  Congrats to Peyton!  My ‘grands’ are the best!

This evening was a rainbow kind of day.  The first one appeared as I was driving home from work in Jeannette, and it was full and bright against the dark clouds.  I couldn’t take a photo as there was no easy place to pull over.  I enjoyed the sight, though, and watched it for as long as I could. I came home and changed clothes and headed out for my evening walk, umbrella in hand – – although hoping I wouldn’t need it. 

Alas.  I DID need it, and only a few houses up!  But the sun was shining brightly, and sure enough, another rainbow – then a second one appeared above it.  I wasn’t fast enough to get that photo, but no matter which way I walked there was a piece of the rainbow in front of me.  I didn’t even mind the rain so much, but it did make taking pictures a bit more challenging! 

As I sit and type, there is still a small piece of one jutting above the hill across the way, disappearing into the white puffs of clouds.  It really was a rainbow kind of day!

Our Logan turns TEN this week!  It may be a cliche, but time DOES fly by!  We spent the afternoon in West Alexander helping him celebrate with family and friends.  The kids played bad mitten (spelling???), flag football, and softball down in the field, and everyone took a turn saying hi to the pigs: Second Breakfast, Yoda, and Bacon Bits (who are growing quickly!)

After dinner of yummy burgers and hot dogs (sorry, piggies!!!), mac/cheese, cheesy potatoes, and strawberries, Logan opened his gifts.  Lots of fun Star Wars ‘stuff’ which everyone enjoyed.  Chase really enjoyed the BB8 (which I had not clue what or who it was!) so he held onto him while Logan explored the other gifts.

We sang and had cake – of which Logan had 4 pieces and was trying to beg a fifth piece before he was shut off.  His parents  got him a fishing pole – a very nice one! – Nate, Jen, Autmn and Chris bought the BB8 and a huge bed pillow, along with a card that lit up with light sabers on the front.  Who knew?  Lots of wonderful gifts for a great little boy.  Have a great year, Logan!  Good things ahead!!

Yesterday was so lovely.  The day started with an early morning walk, complete with a full rainbow in the sky across the road.  The dark sky was the perfect backdrop.  It was a reminder of the promises that God makes and keeps – we are His and were redeemed through his blood!  My little Sunday School class learned that when someone says ‘He is Risen’ that they should respond with ‘He is Risen Indeed!’ 

Lunch was at 2:30pm, and we had way too much food.  Everyone (except Chase!) always eats too much but always has room for dessert.  The big kids hid the candy-filled plastic eggs and the younger kids went in search. 

Before they received their treat baskets I had them sit on the steps for a family photo.  This year we took two: the first one was identical to the picture we took last year.  Matt and Jen joined the photo for the second picture.  So rare that they were all together!  The day ended with my packing away all the decorations and tucking the boxes in their place in the garage. 

I was so exhausted that I wasn’t sure if I’d make it to bed.  But then I was up about 6 times during the night!  It was such a great day with my precious family that I just kept reviewing everything in my mind.  So blessed – to be part of the family of God, and to have my kids/grandkids share in the day!

As dusk was falling tonight, I was walking around the yard, seeking out the flowers that are in bloom.  When spring arrives, and when Easter lurks right around the corner, I always look for my flowers.  The hyacinthsare about done blooming, but they were popping up all over the yard.  Every year I purchase one (or two or three or four in various colors and shades!) and when they have bloomed out I plant them in the yard.  The result is a mini- paradise in my gardens! 

Tonight I found some new ones that I hadn’t noticed on the weekend, including the bright fuchsia/yellow ones by the chair, and the orange/red tulips on the hill. The tulips came up the first spring that I lived here – 26 years ago when we moved in! – obviously planted by previous owners. 

The grape hyacinths are growing in thicker clumps this year than ever before. I’m not sure what this bush is – mock orange, maybe? Seldom does it bloom so I was happy to see it bloom this year.  

I ‘planted’ some little colorful eggs on sticks and they add a nice touch to the season.  (PS – mommy bird is very diligent about sitting on the nest, which now contains four eggs!)

And when I came inside, there was Snoopy with his palate of paints and his painter’s cap, ready to brighten the landscapes even more.  Only a few more days and we can celebrate all the reasons for Easter – Hosanna!

As I type, Chrissy and her friend Daveina are helping the Easter Beagle out and filling plastic eggs.  They got a little aggressive and put too many pieces of candy in each egg, so now they have to readjust their packing procedures.  Gives them something to do and helps me out as well.

I’m playing catch-up today.  Wanted to post the picture we took at Mom’s last weekend.  Our early morning walk in the drizzle of rain took us down to the spillway, which – true to its name! – was spilling rapidly.  We always enjoy our walks together, my sister and I, even when the weather is less than ideal.

We were still at mom’s when I got a text from my daughter.  The baby pigs have arrived!  Each year the Hanchers get two or three baby pigs from local (and sometimes not too local!) farms for the boys to raise for their 4-H projects.  They take care of the pigs all through summer, then show them and hopefully sell them at the West Alexandria fair during Labor Day week.  Peyton and Logan have both done very well with their prize-winning pigs.  This year we have (from the bottom up) Yoda, Bedtime Snack, and Bacon Bits.  Yoda belongs to Logan, Bacon Bits is Peyton’s, and Bedtime Snack is an extra just in case things aren’t ideal with either of the other two.  I give those guys a lot of credit.  These pigs are NOT pets, and they are a lot of work, and it takes determination.  Good luck, guys!

This morning I took another picture of the robin’s nest on the deck.  There are two eggs in the nest. (Update  4pm- 3 eggs!) I’ve seen momma bird on the nest several mornings, but she’s easily spooked and I haven’t been able to get her picture.  I’ll keep trying! (Hard to see, but here’s one…)

I think that catches me up.  More later!