Last weekend I spent some time with my new neice, Eloise.  She is wonderful, and I'd find myself doing whatever I was doing this week and she'd pop into my head!  What a fabulous feeling!  I was at Barnes and Noble yesterday and I saw some of the classics - The Secret Garden and Jane Eyre, and I thought, I would love to give her those beautiful books.  I am so excited to watch her grow up!

Speaking of books, I thought I would make a list of some of the books in the pile on my night stand.  These are books I am currently reading and books waiting to be read.  Here they are!

1.  Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

2.  Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl (reading for book club)

3.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

4.  The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer

5.  The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

6.  Every Living Thing by James Herriot

Eloise

My sister and her husband welcomed a little girl into their family on April 15th.  Eloise Jean is a beautiful baby girl with thick black curly hair and a good set of lungs!  She was named in honor of her great grandfather Ellsworth Jared and her great grandmother Jean.

She is a special little baby we are all in love with.  I can't wait to see her and watch her grow into a strong, loving, woman.

But yesterday I also said goodbye to a good family friend.  Emily was a spark of life that shined on the friends she made and with the love she shared.  She had a deep faith in God and a commitment to showing that by example.

I think what really struck me these last few days is the beginning and end of life; the hope, renewal, and unconditional love of birth, and the grace, compassion, and strength of death.  Emily would be the first person to say this, and I know with all my heart she is in heaven watching over Eloise and singing praise.

Happy Easter

I had a great weekend with my parents.  We had a lovely Easter - went to church this morning and then drove to Gettysburg, PA to have lunch/dinner at The Dobbin House.  It was a wonderful meal - mom and I had Singapore Slings (drink) which were delicious, french onion soup, salad and prime rib.  Yes, I am full! 

The Dobbin House is a restaurant with history - everyone who works there dresses from the civil war era and the rooms are filled with antiques and charm.

Here are some pictures from today.  It was so sunny and warm - perfect day for Easter.

Also, I've been thinking of doing another 5 favorite things.

1.  Jane Austen Marathons:  During Spring Break I was on a bit of a sewing frenzy and while I was sewing I watched the entire BBC version of Pride and Prejudice and then watched Bridget Jones Diary.  Ah the British!  Sometimes I can't get enough! 

2.  Cherry trees blooming:  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this time of year.  I especially love the early bloomers like the Yoshino cherry tree.  I just think about how brave they are - the pioneers!  And what great blooms they do give us!  Thank you!

3.  Taking the long way home:  I took the scenic route home to my parents.  It is the country way with the back roads, the twists, the hills, the horse farms and the green, green grass.  It is beautiful in the valley and makes me happy.

4.  Driving with the windows down:  Doesn't matter if you are driving around town, or driving those back roads, I love being ABLE to drive with the windows down.

5.  Start of baseball - Red Sox v. Yankees at Fenway:  Well, so far the Red Sox are losing in the sixth inning, but I never count them out.  Who knows?!?!?!