respite

It has been a beautiful spring, from the early daffodils, forsythia, bradford pears and magnolias, then flowering fruit trees, tulips and pansies, and now the redbud and dogwood. We have had sufficient rain, so everything looks lush and the weather has ranged from wild to wonderful.

Friday morning we get on the road and head east to a family reunion (Ken's side) in North Carolina, a stop with some friends not far from the reunion gathering, then on to Melrose for the rest of the week with Mom. Ken has been working hard and deserves a break, and I can do with a getaway and some time for rest and reflection. This has been a difficult few months. I still ache with Dooley's loss, and last week the untimely death of a friend pierced me yet again. Some time at Melrose feels like the perfect retreat for tenderness and a small dose of self-indulgence (translation: reading!).

I'll report in along the way as there is news to share and a photo or two. Y'all be good in the meantime! xoxoxo