Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good by Jan Karon

Having read the Mitford stories several years ago, I wondered if I could jump into this book; but the author does such a great job of reminding us of the characters and background, that I had no trouble enjoying it immensely. Because Father Tim mirrors Bill's journey, there are so many parallels to our life -- retiring from a church, trying to find purpose without the ministry, transitioning into "slower" and realizing that all of life is "ministry". Father Tim has embraced this community and still finds places to love others well as he travels this road of "retirement". He is a "regular" guy which reminds me so much of Bill who listens and loves, and others feel accepted enough to share their stories. A very enjoyable and relatable read.

Spring Musings ~ California Trip

Boppa and Lita met Walker James Hendren on February 26th, 3 weeks after his February 3rd appearance. He has perfect little features, small button nose and a little heart shaped mouth, light brown hair and hardly any eyebrows. His first month has been relatively easy for Mom and Dad, crying only when hungry. He observantly looks around, but does enjoy sleeping on Mom or Dad's chest rather than in his cute little cradle! Maelie, somehow knowing that big sisters must "grow up", has begun to play by herself for longer periods of time - aided greatly by the amazing kitchen re-purposed from a TV stand by Boppa's clever hands. He thoroughly enjoyed roaming Noe Valley for ideas to transform this gem, as well as scouting with Ben in Santa Cruz. The hunt was worth every step and "dime". Fun things with Maelie: Lita taking her to Story Time, a lttle tug of war regarding the pre-school rope & not eating in the children's area--Maelie walking right to the doorway with feet on the "line", then looking back at me so I knew that she was obeying to the very "letter of the law". HA! Gardening with Boppa for a full hour as he pulled weeds and she pushed dirt out of the beds and onto the sidewalk. She worked so hard with lots of affirmation from him. 2 nights of sleeping with her at Ben & Jenny's so as not to wake Evy-not much sleep for Lita! Snuggling in the morning with both girls-ahhh. Maelie waiting for me to come upstairs for breakfast, then putting her head on my shoulder as she sat next to me. Baking cookies, and watching her face as she licked the spoon! Seeing her management skills in action: taking things to Evy and "telling" her what to do with them, insistent that Evy put on her jp's and trying to trade her doll because she wanted to play with Evy's! "Ebby, Elmo pj's"; "watch show"; "put Walker down"; "Walker sleep"; "Aunt Jenny come?"; Also had some fun moments with Evy: Lita holding Walker and letting Evy sit next to me with Evy "holding" him--what a beam of delight--laughing as he looked at her & trying hard to kiss his mouth--with much instruction as to kissing only on the arm and patting his belly. She loves him so much, when we face-timed after coming home, she saw me and asked "where Walker"! Walking to see the sheep and goats, she let me hold her and talk about the animals -- she loved her Elmo pj's! We saw a large dog, but she was not excited about petting him --holding back and watching Dada and Mae-ey pet him. A girl after Lita's heart!! She needs her own space from Maelie's direction --so I predict there may be some conflict ahead!! Evy helped Lita bring out the cupcakes for Maelie's b-day party, such a proud little helper as she carefully carried each one out to the right person. She answers most questions with "Ya"--but when she really does not want to do something, it is fun to hear her say "No" very resolutely. Hard to kiss them good-bye as they are both so adorable at this age-and they will have grown so much by the next time we see them.