Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Thursday, April 30
This is one of the prettiest birds that comes to our feeders each spring.
At one point we saw two, but did not get a photograph of them together. However, if you look at the feather pattern, I think this one is a different bird than the first one.
They come like clockwork in late April or early May.
Some years, this is the only time of year we see them, other years a pair or two seem to make their home near ours.
Seeing them at the feeder made my day.
God encircles his people
—always has and always will.
Psalm 125:2 (The Message)
Highlight of the Day
Wednesday, April 29
Lunch With the Sauder’s
This “Sauder lunch” is a standing invitation to Mother High’s siblings, their children and grandchildren, on the last Wednesday of each January, April, July, and October.
After everyone ordered their meal, Uncle John (standing) told us the circumstances of their son, Robert’s, brain tumor–also their son-in-law’s fragile health. John is the oldest, living brother of Cerwin’s mother (top right).
Cousins listening to Uncle John. Cerwin’s sister Velda is on the right.
Aunt Willa Mae and Uncle Luke (Mother’s youngest brother) on the left. Aunt Naomi is at the end of the table.
(Diane: Uncle Luke still likes to remember how you introduced him and Willa Mae to your church family in Maine when you said, “This is my dad’s, mother’s, youngest brother.”)
When Uncle John was finished, cousin Wesley was asked to update us on his wife’s health. She is battling cancer in various parts of her body.
We had a wonderful lunch and visit, despite some sobering health issues in the family. This is a neat way to stay in touch with this part of our family.
Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Don’t quit in hard times.
Romans 12:12 (The Message)
More Field Work
Tuesday, April 28
The sound of farm equipment was pleasing to my ears again this morning.
This time it was the crew who plant and harvest for my brothers.
Preparing to replace a full trailer with an empty one.
After the exchange.
It didn’t take them long to finish the field in front of our house.
When I saw these trucks arriving earlier to empty the manure pit, I knew it was time to close the windows.
This picture is especially for those who mentioned in yesterday’s post that they wish they could smell the fresh country air – or that Xanga provided scratch and sniff. 
The proof that we love God comes when we keep his commandments
and they are not at all troublesome.
1 John 5:3 (The Message)
Happy Birthday
To Our Favorite Kristen
We Love You.
Busy Farmers
Monday, April 27
I love the sound of farm equipment in our neighborhood on a beautiful, spring day.
Monday morning’s activity actually began on Saturday when the farmers cut and raked their rye.
Eli and his daughter were baling early Monday morning.
They weren’t the only busy farmers on Monday. I could hear farm equipment across our valley.
I think every tractor and mule was working today.
Denny and Karen’s family was busy–just beyond my brothers’ fields.
This activity was in Rich and Rachel’s field behind us.
I kept waiting for the men to work in my brothers’ fields, but apparently their crew is working at another farm. This crop was still waiting at the end of the day.
Eli and Sadie’s mules earned their room and board today.
Monday’s weather was perfect.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom
Spring flowers cover the woodsy area of our yard.
myhopeisinjesus’ research tells us this is called “Spring Beauty.”
The Creeping Jenny is definitely creeping.
I can’t wait for our garden tea to be tall enough to cut and brew into my favorite summer drink.
Our early tulips are in their last days–which makes me sad. However, we have another variety that will soon be blooming.
Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.
Hebrews 12:15 (The Message)
Family Easter Dinner
Sunday, April 26 – Part II
The Water Battle
Sometime after the egg hunt a water battle broke out–I think following the water balloons.
It quickly went from water balloons to cups.
Before long Roy was defending himself with our garden hose.
As you can see, the children were not deterred by the hose.
It was refreshing to be wet on this hot Sunday afternoon.
Soon the containers changed to buckets, and the children tried sneaking in from both sides.
(Photo by our daughter Deb.)
Then we saw activity from above.
Josh was brave and faced him head on.
I thought this photo by Deb caught the action so well.
I caught the same shot–without Josh.
When the battle came to an end, we told the children to run and play so their clothing would dry.
So ends the photos from our family celebration.
~~~
It was a day of wonderful memories.
