My dear friend Peggy Bass is with the Lord now, but I still miss her. She’s been gone from this earth two years and each spring when my Bird’s Nest violets begin to appear I’m reminded of her bright and infectious smile and laughter. “How’s my friend?” She would always ask whenever she heard my voice. These days, I try not to think about how much I miss her presence, her wisdom, and her unconditional love and acceptance. Her friendship was a solace to my heart for so many years. This Sunday is resurrection Sunday, and I know that if she were here with us, she would be smiling and singing songs of praise and adoration to the Lord. But she’s not. . . . Instead, she’s in heaven with Him singing glorious Alleluias to the One who is and always will be—our faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Can you believe we had snow flurries this morning at Pretty Hill? Not many though—just a few. This photo of the wisteria in the backyard was taken last Saturday when it was in the low ’70′s. Extremes always make me smile. Today, it’s only 41!

I keep trying to post this photo, but can never seem to get it right. So, here it is anyway. It was taken in England last spring. Every time I look at it, my mind is filled with warm cozy thoughts. There is really no reason for this. It is just a photo of a lane that I happened to strolled by. Yet, something caught my attention and tugged at my heart. Recently, I was reading a letter that C. S. Lewis wrote to his friend Arthur Greeves. In it he asks this question: “Why is it that one can never think of the past without wanting to go back?” Obviously, he had some pretty good memories, and I do, as well.

On Saturday, we finally had an opportunity to get out in the sun and enjoy being together for a few minutes. This pond (in Atlanta) had lots of ducks, which are Cocoa’s favorite things to watch. They would take off, glide over us, and then land perfectly in the lake. After looking at this photo, its hard to imagine that the forecast for Monday and Tuesday includes snow flurries!

Of course, Chip was there, too.

One rainy day in a kingdom very near here, the fair Princess Cocoa Joy woke up from a perfectly lovely nap and realized she was alone. And suddenly, meeting the young handsome Prince Chipley did not seem like such a bad idea.

Slowly and softly, Chipley moved closer to the fair maiden. Would she smile if he said hello?

Well, she didn’t necessarily smile, but she certainly did not turn away either. Being anxious to make a good impression, Chipley offered his greatest gift. He said, “Fair Princess, I offer you the keys to my heart, and I believe they have a distinctive ham bone scent. Mmmmm.”

Suddenly, we were together. Just like it was meant to be.

For a  very few moments, we were the best of friends—just hanging out together . . . .

Until, I began flipping around with too much charm and finesse. Then it happened. I did something that was totally out of character for a young Prince, I bit the beautiful Princess. And though it was just a teeny, tiny play bite, the damage had been done and . . . .

Alas, I was alone again. Drat, drat and double drat! Just as quickly as she came, she was gone. And I was left to whimper and imagine how it might have been . . . . I just have to find a way to capture the Princess’s heart.

“  To be continued . . . .