It is early morning...early with fresh, damp dew on the spring grass and dappled shadows of sunlight. I love this time of day as much as dusk, but I am usually in such a hurry to go somewhere that I don't take the time that I should to embrace the dawn. I tell stories today, but not until later so this morning is a luxury with a cup of steaming coffee by my side and a gift of time.

I always like to think of you, my friends and family, receiving the passage wherever you are. I know Adam and Abe always open it at work..sometimes Adam sends me a note if it does not come in across the airways in Tampa...I am glad he is my biggest fan as well as my oldest son. Abe reads his in Portland, Oregon..my sisters scattered across the U.S....my Mom and Dad at their own computers in Texas..my Uncle in the Adirondacks watching the loons and enjoying his early morning routine...Liz in Ireland on her small farm getting ready to tell stories...my brother in Afghanistan...my other brother as he builds his gardens for his sweetheart, Denise....my friend, Dick, so far away in Kaztakistan (I don't think I got the spelling on that...)my college roommate who has become my own cheerleader (how are you doing, Sally??)..my friend Jane who is suffering from M.S. and reads this passage as a Biblical piece..my daughter in laws..my friends... folks I have never met..and Philip on his island who I chanced to meet three years ago and who has woven a net around my heart.

Aaron and Karen have moved...it was quite the week end. Actually I should say Karen and the babies moved with the help of friends. Aaron returned after the move was complete...I am not sure how it all happened now that this week is over...Karen shopped and packed and moved and hauled babies...I babysat..cleaned out cupboards and shelves here at the house at white picket gardens, and carried load after load...even sometimes in the wheelbarrow (they are only a block away). She was like a little machine (Karen wears a size 0)...I am proud of her for all of her work this past week..by the time Aaron returned everything was in place...including an apple pie in the oven. The house is charming...old...full of character. After all of these months since the fire it is nice they are finally "home."

The trip to Honduras was quite the adventure...I must say I am proud of my sons for the trip...for keeping their ties strong between the three of them even though distance keeps them apart. It makes me miss my sisters (and brothers!). They each came home with a hundred or more butterflies..I saw Aaron's collection and they are stunning. Customs was apparently a little unnerving in Miami, but all is well. Adam fell off a rock the first day they were on their hunt and gashed open the back of his head. They story he tells is quite humorous...their guide knew of a doctor an hour and a half down the river bed...so drove the three of them to this doctor. The boys had taken their first aid kit with everything they should need, but their luggage didn't arrive until the week was almost over...so no aspirin or bandages. When they finally reached the hut where the doctor was working...he took Adam out to the picket table and stitched up the back of his head...no anesthetics aspirin...no antibiotics.
When he was finished, the doctor climbed up a coconut tree, cut off a coconut, whacked off the top with his machete and had Adam drink the milk...said it was good for his wound. It was a day later that they were able to find someone with antibiotics. He said he did have a headache for a few days and was glad when the aspirin showed up in their bag...but all is well...and he certainly has a wonderful story to tell about his adventure.

Memorial Day came and went by...my neighborhood is full of flags...each yard has a flag compliments of a Realty company.l..but it is a lovely site to see.
Matthew and I hung out my flag over the balcony...Indiana is so beautiful right now...peonies and irises are blooming...rhubarb and asparagus are still ripe for the picking and my strawberries and huge, although not quite red. When my Mom and Dad moved to Texas, it was rhubarb that my Mom missed so much...my Grandmother used to ship her a box every spring. Last night walking home from Aaron and Karen's (to share in the apple pie)..everyone was out walking or biking...it made me think of the movie, Music Man...the weather was cool...the night sky was a wonder...and all seemed right with the world...at least in this small cocoon of a world I call home.

But my world changes as I get ready to leave for the summer...I will be going to spend all my summer days with Philip...I have already shipped 7 boxes since I will be flying..once I get there I won't need a car and my bike is ready and waiting (although I think Philip rides my bike!!) Now that the kids have moved, and school is over for me...just a few more storytelling shows...clean out the frig...pack the last minute bag..and I will be at my other life...working in the shop...potlucks...stories...walks on the beach and in the village...late night Scrabble..visitors...festivals...most of all just being there with Philip...

So, friends, finish the last of the morning coffee wherever you are...open the blinds...and drink in the new day...

Love, Lou Ann