Best. Weekend. Ever. My brother made a surprise visit to our house on Thursday and stayed until Saturday evening. We had such a nice time together. We went birdwatching and saw lots of spring migrants, including a pine warbler, which was a first sighting for both of us. We played Ticket to Ride with the kids, watched the two hour season premier of 24, cooked up a Mexican feast Friday night, went out for Heav'nly Donuts on Saturday morning, and enjoyed good conversations throughout his stay.

At my house, every day feels like Mother's Day, but on Sunday my husband and children managed to make things extra special. I woke up to a hand-made banner declaring: We ♥ Mom. After a leisurely morning, we went on a picnic high up in the woods on blueberry hill. We had fried chicken, fruit, cheese, and bread. It was delicious and great fun. When we returned home, I took a nap! Then I played in my garden beds, read a chapter in my book, and started the sleeve of my cardi (which I've decided not to rip out after all). My husband made a fabulous dinner, and then there were gifts, so many that it felt like Christmas. Zachary gave me a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful gazing ball for my garden; there were more flowers from Amy, along with a pretty yellow top and earrings; Seth gave me a gorgeous blown glass paperweight of a chicken; I received a magnificent hand lens from Emmeline; a lovely pair of gardening gloves from Luke, and the cutest pug notecards and chocolates from my husband.

It is May, the world is green and blossoming, I feel better than I have in months, and I am surrounded by love and kindness. Truly, the Lord is my shepherd!