Monday, October 26, 2020

Happy Birthday, Joshua




To say that Joshua is generous with his energy and time is an understatement.  He is constantly doing for others (meaning his immediate community of our family and his school) and rarely takes a moment for himself.  While we tried to celebrate him this past weekend, it seemed as if he was celebrating us.  We enjoyed Alma's apple cider donut cake, James's chocolate chip cookies, and a climb at the Birdsboro Climbing Quarry.  

We love you, Josh.  Thanks for being an amazing partner and the "best person in the world" according to Alma.

Monday, October 12, 2020

41.5



 Since I belong to the sweetest family ever, they celebrated my half birthday with a lovely breakfast and a family walk.  Hooray for 41 and a half.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Welcome Martha and Macaroni Sandwich

 Introducing our two new trees: Prunus subhirtella 'Autumnalis' (a.k.a. Autumn Blooming Cherry)


Our first tree: Winifred, who still lives in South Philly


And our four (unnamed) Japanese Lilacs who live in Bethlehem (only one shown below)

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

Early Fall






Life is still normal-ish while we stay relatively isolated to decrease exposure to COVID-19.  While Joshua spends a large part of his weekend prepping for the upcoming school week, the kids and I have been hiking (this last weekend at Marsh Creek while watching the Lasers race), swimming laps at an empty YMCA before getting Rita's treats, and baking delicious cakepops.  I also spent my free time painting a feature wall in our living room -- partly to add some color, partly to hide the paw prints the children leave on the walls.  

Last week I was back on campus for a small event.  It was nice to see the beautiful campus and some colleagues.  I was grateful that everyone was masked, distancing, and that the weather was nice enough to open the Mansion's large French doors. Working from home is fine -- I simply plug away at emails to the sounds of the animals snoring -- but I'm feeling a little anxious over how isolating this winter may feel.  We are so grateful to have escaped so much of the pandemic's impact; however, there is still a sense of mourning over the missed connections and opportunities.