March 31, 2018. Madison, Mississippi. Easter.

Christina and the girls came to visit us today. We drank an Easter tea. It was delightful. The best part of course was visiting with Molly, Mary Frances and Christina, but the second best was eating the blueberry cake made by Christina. It was delicious. Ken had another piece for dessert tonight. And they brought us two chocolate bunnies in a pretty Easter bag. We of course, gave them nothing. The day was glorious and sunny so we sat in the living room enjoying the view and being together. Poor Kate came home from school on Tuesday with the flu. She is getting better but did not want to expose us to any bugs and for that we were grateful. David and their whole family are at the lake in Texas. Both University students came home for Easter. Suzanne's parents were there too. David fished this morning and was happy to catch 2 fish. Conditions were difficult with high wind but he was happy just being out on the water. For many generations on both sides, our families have been scattered so it was unusual to spend holiday seasons with only family. In Mississippi it is the norm. Most people who are born in Mississippi stay in Mississippi. The same is true of Pennsylvania folks. So families gather for the holidays. Growing up, even when we lived in the same city as some family members as we did in Vancouver, we were so busy with activities that we did not gather together for Easter. The weekend was a religious holiday, not a weekend of bunnies and eggs. And I have no recollection of giving gifts. Now, Ken and I are just happy to be celebrating Easter weekend at home in Mississippi. As they said in The Salvation Army,"Hallelujah".