Neighbors

So, we will have new neighbors by the end of summer. Karen and Leon are building on the lot to the left of us, facing our house. And we have two bird families living in the birdhouses Rich made. The house by the rock in back is occupied by a tree swallow family and the other one in back by a bluebird family. Another bluebird family is looking at the house outside my kitchen window. It has not been a favorite because it is too close to the food court. Too much congestion in the area!

The computer has been on the blink for the past two weeks, so this is the first I have been able to post a blog in awhile. We were with Kat and Jason Saturday, helping paint the ceiling in their basement to get it ready to move the office out of the nursery. Jason spent his day taking an eight-hour exam. Daniel should arrive in 4-5 weeks. Kat is doing well, but ready to not be pregnant!

We put this little guy on the front of the diaper bag to personalize it for Daniel.

Happy spring!

Spring Break and Easter Sunday

Tuesday evening, April 7, Rich took me to BWI where I got on a plane to Chicago to spend a few days with Sharon, Mark, and Ella. Ella bonded with me almost immediately and we had a wonderful time together. I took her a rain coat for spring, and although it is a little big right now, it will fit her perfectly for the rainy days ahead.

I really enjoyed getting to know this sweet little girl better. She is Miss Personality and Miss Curiosity - always interested in whatever is happening!

It was too short a visit, as I returned on Saturday afternoon.

On Easter Sunday we took dinner to Kat and Jason and spent the afternoon with them. Jason has been hard at work in the basement remodeling it to use as extra living space and an office for when Daniel arrives. He recently sent us incredible pictures of Daniel - still in the womb. Amazing what technology can do.

Here's what we see...

And this is what the ultra sound sees!

Of Birdhouses and Tractors

Happy Birthday, Laurel!

"How about this one, Mabel?"

"I don't know, George. Let me look inside."

I think I like it!

Luke's grandpa is now the proud owner of a John Deere lawn tractor.

He's having a great time mowing - in 1/2 hour instead of 3.

He is also looking forward to giving rides to Luke this summer!

So now Susan is a year older...

We celebrated Susan's birthday on Monday evening with a fantastic meal. Brother Chuck sent the sweetest card, and all three daughters called on Tuesday to give birthday wishes.

Someone asked last evening if we had gone out to dinner. My reply, was "certainly not!". Why would we want to go out to eat when we could have a meal like this...


Petit bacon-wrapped filet mignon on a bed of creamy potatoes,
surrounded by asparagus spears, Side salad of roasted beets with goat cheese

Topped off with chocolate soufflé with raspberry sauce.

A fine wine, candlelight and flowers helped to set the scene.