Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone! It is about 2:00 a.m. back home in Minneapolis as we write this entry so we want to wish everyone a Happy Easter so when you get up you'll find this message. We know you start every day with a hot cup of coffee and a read of this blog (right). We got to speak with Maxine, Norman, Zach and Lauren last night. Zach and Lauren are visiting grandma and grandpa at our house (feels strange to say that) while they are house sitting for us in Minneapolis. It was good to hear their voices. It sounds like the lake is still frozen, and it is still snowing. We have been here so long it felt strange to speak English to someone other than each other. We spend so much alone time together, we have begun to be able to predict what each other will do and say in any particular moment. Scary!

Before we plow on, the other celebration today is that Clarke and Jane are celebrating their wedding anniversary! Happy anniversary!! Hope you guys enjoy some Easter romance. Clarke, I think it is time to break out some of that champagne collection you have behind the bar. You did buy it for a reason????!!!

Norman and Maxine sound like they are making the most of their time in Minneapolis as you would expect. They have been out and about quite a bit and enjoying lunches around town. I am certain, although not stated, that Norman has taken over the kitchen table with his art supplies. We are still hoping for that new painting of the barn outside of Loretto with the muddy cows (inside joke). Hopefully the cows cooperate and stand in their places. Remember Dad..... Production!

Zach and Lauren sound good. Lauren was playing a video game and extremely engrossed in what she was doing. A few mumbles and a grunt indicated that she was fine, had played with many friends this past week, and school was going well. No new skating competitions. Zach has been quite busy as usual. Besides hanging out with Vanessa, he has been trying out for Lacrosse. He forwarded a request for coaches and a meeting notice for such that was being held. Had to pass given I would miss most of the season being here in the Ukraine (bummer). His other big news was that he got a job at Interlachen Country Club (now he may have to get his hair cut). Way to go Zach! Lastly, Zach turned 16 a few days ago. Can't believe he is that old. Here's a picture of him at his 16th celebration we had for him before we left.

Maxine reports that our furry children are doing well. They have all fallen into a routine. Bella, our talkative, sensitive one, requires the most attention, and Maxine is beginning to be able to understand "Bella speak". Bella keeps everyone on track with what is supposed to happen routinely during the day. This includes notification of 7:30 wake up time (Norman loves this I'm sure). Sota is content with getting her attention in the morning and early evening with the double paw paw notification of her wishes at 5:30. Buddy is reportedly a "character". He is our grump, occasionally growls at Bella and Sota and growls after 7:30 at night at anything when he's ready to retire to the Buddy bed. We have theories about his grumpiness, but he is a sweet guy and would not hurt a flea. Emma has been walking the dogs regularly and earning the bucks. Thank you Emma!

Sandy and Gregg are having Max, Norm, Zach and Lauren over for their annual Easter celebration with their family today. We will miss being there and seeing everyone for this Easter tradition. Hello goes out to Bea, Ruth, Don, Judy and the rest of the clan. Eat some extra turkey for us! (Don, next year we'll bring extra smoked pheasant.)

We miss being home at times like these and have a lot of time on our hands to think about home. We are leaving Monday for Simferopol and are simply waiting for that time. Yesterday we took a 5 mile walk around town just to get out. Not sure what we will do today. It is Easter, but there's not a protestant church in sight.

Chris' emails have a quote on the bottom of each. We believe that this is something very meaningful to the current situation, our adventure, and everyone's support back home. Chris is the best in our family at finding meaningful words for any situation:

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." -Dietrich Bonhoeffer