Sunday - April 5

Another pretty day and a lazy Sunday for us.    We slept in, had a big breakfast (pancakes, sausage and fruit) and then just piddled around doing this 'n that.    We went to Palm Sunday Mass with Cardinal Sean Patrick O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston - just so strange seeing the blessing of palms in an empty Cathedral of the Holy Cross, shortened version of the Passion and of course, no communion.    His homily was excellent.

Michael and Brooke had planned to move to the lake permanently when school was out in June,   However, with schools closed for rest of semester, they are now here for good but still had several loads of stuff to move which they did today.    They took 4 vehicles and the 6 of them trekked into Newton and were packed to the gills when they returned.    So combining 2 big households into one.....they are troopers and sorry we couldn't help out!    Later this week, movers will bring out rest of the big stuff.

Mark and I went for a nice walk (shorter than yesterday) and then had left-over pizza from last night for late lunch,

He watched some of his taped TV shows on Flo, I read and took a little nap. 

This week we were to be here babysitting with Luke and Maeve while Philip and Annette got away or a few days, but of course, that's not happening and bummer we can't even be close to them!

I played Solitaire and Mark and I played 2-handed euchre. and tonight, online euchre with Drew and Anne beating Ryan and me 2 out of 3.

Sunday night Chamberlain siblings chat fest - all 12 present!     Fun catching up with everyone!

Had a few sprinkles late afternoon and then later, this brilliant sunset!

Sun setting over Mount Mitchell

Make the most of this Holy Week - sooo many and sooo much to pray for!   

Saturday - April 4

After a hearty breakfast of ham and cheese omelets, fruit and toast, we did a few things around the cottage and then took off with water bottles in backpack and hiked the trail.    Met some ladies today walking their dogs, but kept our distance.

 

 Along the trail...

  

A real treat at the end of the trail (where a nice bench was waiting for us) was messenger/facetimed with my dear cousin and friends Jane (in Illinois) and Allie (in Florida).    What fun to see each other and have a nice chat!!!   Thanks Jane!!!

Back home for lunch, folded laundry and a nap for Mark.    Total of 3.5 miles today thru the forest!

Later this afternoon after the kiddos returned from a boat ride, Mark and I went out - absolutely delightful and lots of people on the water......gorgeous weather, cabin fever and easy to keep your distance really brought 'em out!!!

Did take out from Fonta Flora (Brooke picked up) - pizza and burger with fries - really hit the spot!!!!

Tonight we played euchre - Mark and Annette against Ryan and me (they beat us 3 out of 3)...ugh!    Then Anne and me against Ryan and Annette (we won 2 out of 3).....FUN!!!

Nighty night!

Friday - April 3

Another glorious day in North Carolina.....walking (road) and hiking (forest) were awesome and hoping each day to go a little further.    Did some laundry, Mark made some phone calls cancelling things, made new reservations, etc.   We;ve been playing 2-handed euchre and holy moly, today I won 3 games!!!   

Annette and Philip did a pick-up at WalMart and Drew and Brady delivered to us!    Our family has been so good at picking up (or shopping which Michael and Brooke have done) and delivering groceries as they want us to stay put.  And Davis picked up a prescription at CVS for us!!!
 Per instructions, we wiped all the perishables down with sanitized wipes and put in fridge.    All the non-perishables were left for 24 hours and then we can (supposedly) handle safely and put away.

Our Blue Angel friend, Linda from Kansas has the "greenest" thumb and here's some of her pretties surrounded by St. Francis

Mark is ready to hit the pavement - check out that glorious blue sky 

Pretty blooms along the way

Happy 49th anniversary to brother Bob and Linda!

Stay home, enjoy your families, get some fresh air and have a great weekend.

We're all in this together!

 

Thursday - April 2

Woke up to this beautiful pink sky this morning...

Sausage, eggs and toast to start the day.   Laundry, tidied up the cottage, and other chores.   Walked the trail.  More sad stories coming in from young people passing away from the virus - heartbreaking...

We know of 3 people who have passed away in the past day or so (loved ones of our family or friends).     A death is always a sad time but with all the restrictions now in place limiting visitors for visitations/funerals, makes it especially more so.    We heard some places, the deceased is going straight from funeral home to cemetery.     And on a brighter note, big weddings that had been planned and now, on a much smaller scale, are still taking place with some really clever ideas and venue.   Plans for a big celebration when this is over.

Heard from some friends in Brewerton, NY (Ess-Kay Yards) who just happened to be staying at the same complex in St. Pete, FL this winter.   We had hoped to get together in Fort Myers, but that didn't happen.    They all are doing great

Another hike this afternoon AFTER we had a nice visit with Philip, Annette, Luke and Maeve who stopped by in their boat - we chatted from the dock!    Sooo good to see them!!!

So close and yet so far away...

Played online euchre tonight - Drew and I against Bob and Judy.    We won 2 out of 3... FUN!!!

Wednesday - April 1

Burr....it was 39 here this morning and 2 more chilly mornings coming, but the days are going to warm up with lots of sunshine.    Today was only in the 50's and mostly cloudy and breezy all day!

We did our usual - breakfast, lunch, dinner (I've cooked more these past 9 days than all winter in Florida - ha)!!!    We read, did computer stuff, bundled up and went for a walk, and made sloppy Joes.   Played 1 game of euchre with Bob and Judy (Brooke's parents) and Drew.   Drew and Bob won.     This online game is really fun!

Happy "Heavenly" Birthday to my Mom who would've been 101 today.....I'm sure she is storming the heavens praying for all of us during this time of crisis

Our nephew, Justin and Jessa's wedding was to be May 16th in Dubuque, Iowa.....now postponed till October 16th

And now....here's the Moppett!

 Decked out in swimsuit, necklace, shades and winter hat! 

Can't wait to give her some big "Grandma" cuddles!   

Did facetime 2x with Blair today!

April 1st beauty on our walk this afternoon