Drinking Sap and Designing a Closet

This morning Bill and I left for Basking Ridge. While Bill and Teddy worked on a closet, Patti, the twins and I went to nearby Lord Stirling Park and took part in a maple syrup demo. We actually got to drink sap from the sugar maple tree. It tasted pretty much like water with a little sweetness. I couldn't taste any maple flavor. The demo was very interesting and infomative and geared for both adults and kids. At the end we got to sample finished syrup. And when we got back we checked out how the guys were doing. They did great. Tomorrow we all get to party for Stephen's birthday!

Catching up on Movies

A week ago Bill and I saw The Reader. It was very riveting. The time went so quickly because we were both totally so engrossed in the story in which a present day German man thinks back to his youth when he had met an older woman and fallen in love with her. While in law school he observes war crime trials he is shaken to see this woman from his past among the defendants being tried. The movie left me wondering about these characters and human nature.

This week we saw Coraline in 3D. A critic wrote that it was visually dazzling but strangely joyless. That's exactly how I felt. We saw previews for coming attractions and there are more 3D movies coming soon. Although not as good as the 3D you experience at Disneyworld, the 3D is incredible. I was glad we saw it! Actually, this is a movie we paid for because not all theaters show it in 3D and I doubt our small theater where we get free Tuesday nite movies through cablevision will show it in 3D.

You're Welcome

Bridget and Timmy sent us the nicest thank you note!

Happy Birthday Timmy and Bridget

Timmy and Bridget celebrated their 4th party at their home with lots of family and friends. There was plenty of food, lots of presents and even a football game. Can you spot Bridget in the pink? One of her gifts was a pair of sparkly pink shoes. Timmy tried tackling his Grandpa Cullen. Maybe next year. Their new cousin Baby Tyler was present for his first birthday party. It was a great day.

New Jersey Flower Show

Friday I volunteered as a Master Gardener at the annual flower show in Edison. Our booth was near the front this time so we had our usual garden questions plus we were kept busy answering questions about where things were and also about the ballot and raffle box which was at our booth. Plus we helped Rutgers do a survery on people's perception of what plants are considered invasive. Spring is in the air!

Jackie, We love you!

A reading from the Book of Proverbs

Who shall find a valiant wife - a woman of strength? A pearl of great price is she.
Her husband's heart has confidence in her and benefits from her wise counsel.
She initiates good not evil, every day of her life.
She opens her heart to the needy, she is generous to the poor.
Yet she does not neglect her families' needs nor priorities of her own.
She is known for her dignity and strength. She laughs at the days to come.
She often speaks with wisdom and she teaches in a kindly way.
Those who are close to her praise her. Her family extols her.
Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.
Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, the woman who is wise is the one to praise.

These verses read this morning by Jackie's daughter Maria are so fitting. Jackie was a precious pearl and we will miss her so much. We met Jackie in 1968 and have been close friends since. We are family. We have shared baptisms, birthdays, picnics, First Communions and weddings. There are so many memories. This is a difficult time, but Lord, we are all so thankful for the gift of Jackie in our lives.

The Marucas, Wheelers and we have celebrated New Years together since 1976. These pictures are from the 80's. We have a little tradition of gifting each other with radishes, bananas and salt. It's a long story! Our old acquaintance will never be forgotten.