She's back!

I have returned from the land of no-posting, from the land of husband out of town, outbreak of strep throat, and nothing to say. From the land of boys missing their daddy and mommy being cared for by precious friends.

Instead of a recap of the adventures and misadventures of the last two weeks, recountings of exactly how bad my throat hurt and how good antibiotics are, and reflections that my husband and I really are just the teeniest bit co-dependent. . . instead of all that, I'll offer you a modest list of delights that strike me fresh and new this week.

--the first morning, after being sick, when you awaken and realize that you feel yourself again, weakened perhaps, but YOU, and life is wider than tissues and medicine and really bad TV

--an aired-out house, smelling like breezes and spring and health

-- morning coffee

--a clear sky lightening over the mountains

--sheets stretched over the bed, washed and line-dried and promising peaceful rest at the end of the day

--gifts of fresh flowers everywhere-- roses, lilies, iris and peonies (thanks Mom, Rachel, neighbors)

--a Saturday plant festival with a good friend, filling her car with herbs and flowers

--Mrs. Meyers Lemon Verbena Ironing Spray spritzed over tea towels, taking the chore out of ironing

--bread baking

--the four of us around the table

--bedtime kisses, morning cuddles

--laughing at Jon Stewart

--hot buttered popcorn

--reading together: An Angel for Solomon Singer and I Like to Be Little, mommy choking a bit over the words, smiling through tears

--praying for help and being cared for by Jesus followers-- seeing His fingerprints all over their acts of grace

--thankful for a voice, for a little community to return to

Really, a list too long to count. What simple pleasures fill your days?