Stillmeadow Friends

My dearest Susan...

It seems only fair that when the lilacs begin to fade that the butterflies should take over and bring life to our surroundings. Spring itself is summed up in the sweet and heady scent of these flowers and what child doesn't remember bringing home a bunch of those delicate blossoms to present to Mommy.

We're at the end of a week of cold weather. It's been feeling more like November than May. I've been crossing fingers and hoping the flowers somehow survive the thermometer dipping so low. Year after year they do I suppose, but it seems only right to worry just the same. It's the nature of things isn't it?? My Mom worried over the flowers and now it's my turn.

Are your days chilly lately too?? I've been trying to calculate the difference in our weather and I'm assuming that you're about a week behind us. Your lilacs must still be at their prettiest and the lilacs at Stillmeadow must be so fragrant right now as well. Can anyone ever think of lilacs and not think of Stillmeadow, Susan?? Probably not.

We're promised warm weather today and what a welcome change that will be. As I look out the window this morning, the bird feeders are alive with activity Susan. I've been watching the two cardinals (a male and a female), the Bluejay, a host of purple finches and our darling "Lemon Birds" (the goldfinches!!). It seems this is the place to be today.

Oh Susan!! Guess what I saw this morning on the way home from dropping Erik at the station?? I saw a Pileated Woodpecker!!!! It was right on the tree across the road from our home!! I've only ever seen them closer to heavily wooded areas. What an incredible treat to see this lovely bird. It seems that G-d always knows when we need some special blessing that is ours alone.

The Sweet Potatoes planted radishes two weeks ago. They're in crooked little rows with double leaves on each little "sproutling". We've been watching the progress and checking for changes on a daily basis. Each of those seeds was planted with love and care. Seeing them come up; watching them grow and trusting that we'll munch on them one day soon is an act of faith. Like all of G-d's blessings Susan, all we have to do is believe.

Write soon and tell me how you all are.

Love, Shelley

Dear Shelley,
We've finally made the move. Hope you like our new home. I think we'll be very happy here!
Goodnight and lots of love,
Susan
xxx