The Groundhog Lied

The groundhog lied.  As if the blizzard last Saturday evening wasn’t enough; we had another round of snow last night and this morning.   Ohio is an interesting place to live.  One moment we think Spring is here -- the flowers are blooming, the Magnolias are in full glory, people are mowing the lawns for the first time -- the next thing you know, it is winter again, and the daffodils bow their heads in submission to the elements.  

April 9, 2016.  A late snowfall.

A horse-drawn plow sits in a snowdrift, waiting for better weather.

We thought the rough weather might put a damper on the amount of folks who would come for our annual Maple Syrup for Missions meal.   There may have been a few who decided to stay in the house, but there may have also been a few who decided the weather was too bad to do anything else, so they came to the meal.  Once again, our hearts are full of gratitude for all the folks who come out to support this event, and enjoy a great meal of superb pancakes, (not kidding, these are amazing pancakes), fresh stuffed sausage, Maine blueberry sauce, and the delightful flavor real maple syrup.  Ohio people are tough, and rugged weather is not going to stop too many of them from coming to this awesome meal.  Generosity is as abundant as the pancakes, and folks really support our efforts.  A great big thank you to all who came!!

We have a lot of family here this week -- mostly from out of state.  Children, grandchildren, inlaws and outlaws.  We love them all.  The house is full of the sounds of laughter, noisy children, and pleasant conversation.   Sisters and brothers who used to fight (our children), love to spend time together now.  Funny how that works.  This tribe brings us a lot of joy when we’re all together.  Then when they leave again, the house seems much too quiet.   There’s an old saying, “Grandchildren fill a space in your heart that you never knew was empty.”   So very true.  And it’s true with each new baby.  Eight of them now.  Eight wonderful blessings who call me Grandpa.

Seems like we eat a lot when family is here.  In fact, they tell me it is time to do some grilling.  A lot of hungry mouths to feed, and it is my pleasure to help.  Maybe we’ll post a few pictures, add some comments, and wrap it up for today.

From Kidron, Ohio, where the weather is fickle and the people are tough enough to take it, we wish you a blessed weekend.  Here’s to warmer weather.  (Please???)  So long.